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THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 


CORIANTON, 


; 


A    ROMANTIC    SPECTACULAR    DRAMA, 
IN    FOUR    ACTS, 

BY 

ORESTES    U.    BEAN. 


CORIANTON, 


A  ROMANTIC  SPECTACULAR 
DRAMA. 


ORESTES    TJ.    BE 


PLACE,     .   , 

TIME,  .   .   . 


.   .  SOUTH  AMERICA, 
.    .   .  75  YEARS  B,  C\ 


COPYRIGHTED  IN  UNITED 
AND  ENGLAND. 


<T3 


U 

1 

CAST  OF  CHARACTERS, 
As  PRESENTED  IN  THE  SALT  LAKE  THEATRE,  AUGUST  HTH,  19C2, 

|    JOSEPH  HOWORTH  SUPPORTED  BY  Miss  AGNES  ROSE  LANE. 

NEPHITES. 
ALMA,  The  Hign  Priest  ............  BRIGHAM  S.  YOUNG 

NEPH1HAH,  The  Chief  Judge  ...........  JOHN  S.  LINDSAY 

CORIANTON,  Wayward  Son  of  Alma   .......  JOSEPH  HOW  OR!  H 

SHIBLON,  Righteous  Son  of  Alma    ......  CHAS.  ROY  BOWERS 

BASTOL,  Merry-making  Armor  Bearer     .   .   .  WALTER  S.  ST.  GLAIR 
AMULOKI,  Leader  of  the  "Gadianton  Order"    ALFRED  G.  SWENSON 
JASPER,  Of  the  "Gadianton  Order,"   ........  LUKE  COSGROVE 

LAMARCK,  Of  the  "Gadianton  Order"  .........  B.  WILLARD 

MORI  AN  TON,  Officer  in  charge  of  Korihor    .  .   .  THORALD  JENSEN 
ZENOS,  Loyal  Citizen  of  Zarahemla  .......  GEORGE  GARDINER 

ZENNOCK,  Loyal  Citizen  of  Zarahemla  ..........  NED  LYNCH 

RELIA,  Plighted  Wife  of  Shiblon    ......  MISS  THAIS  MAGRANE 

Citizens  of  Zarahemla  •  Soldiers  of  Zarahemla  :  Religious   Chorus  ; 

'  'Justice  Ho  !  "    Acolytes. 

ZORAMITES. 


™.  THOMAS  COLEMAN 

KORIHOR,  The  Anti-Christ   ............     JAMES  H.  LEWIS 

LAMAN,  Second  in  Command    ......  MIERS  TRUETT  BLUXOME 

Sffi^r'VHSlPE  ot>  GAay  RevelerB     ........  SHIRLEY  CLAWSON 

ZOAN  ZE  ISABEL,  A  Siren     .......   MISS  AGNES  ROSE  LANE 

LYDA        )  /  ETHYL  D.  BEST 

oEAM^      Zoramite  Beauties  .   .       .......  \  PEARL  HOUTZ 

SALOME  \  (  ALBERTA  BARTON 

NAOMI     )  (FLORENCE    JENKINSON 

SARA  Zoramite  Converts    ......  j  RUTH  WILSON 

MIRIAM   )  (  IDA  DUE 

Gay  Revelers.    Braves  and  beauties  of  Antioiium. 

LAMANITES  : 
MANITAH,  Zoan's  Maid  .........  .  JOSEPHINE  DRACI 

ZEBU,  Captain  of  Seantum's  Body  Guard  .....  HERR  ZOGG 

Seantum's  body  guard  ;    Street  criers  ;    Flambeau  Club  :    Ballet 
Maidens  ("Black  Pearls")  ;  Servants,  Waiters,  Wine  Boys,  etc. 


SYNOPSIS: 

Tr 
ea 
t  l. 

Night,  one  hour  later. 


ACT     I.—  Zarahemla—  Temple  of  Justice—  Trial  of  Korihor. 
CT   PvTAl^ion^'~^cene1'    Before    Seantum's   Palace-The  Siren 


v'~'  ean  - 

and  the  Prophet—  Evening,  a  fortnight  later.    Scene  2:    Seantum's 

.  n  J^S-01"  Garden-Beguiling  of  a  Prophet-Night,  one  hour  later. 

ACT   III.—  Siron.-The  Prodigal  Son—  Three  davs  later. 

ACT  IV.-Zarahemla.—  House  of  High  Priest  Alma  (Housetop  Setting. 
City  of  Zarahemla  in  distance)—  The  Prodigal's  Return—Night  a 
lortmgnt  later. 


r"-r'"i.L George  W.  Thatcher,  Jr.,  Logan 

Libretto,     .   .  Miss  Kate  Thomas,  Salt  Lake  City 

Model*  and  scenery    .   .   .  John  H.  Young,  Broadway  Theatre,  New  York 
Costume  plates Chas.  Roy  Bowers,  New  York 

(  Wanamaker,  New  York 
Costumes J  Eaves,  New  York 

I  Salt  Lake  Costuming  House,  Salt  Lake  Citv 
Stswd  under  the  direction  of James  H.  Lewis,  Bostoh 

PROPERTIES. 

ACT  I.— Altar  of  Justice.  2  thrones,  24  palms,  dagger  flowers  in- 
ccns«-  burners, chain*,  papvrus,  holders,  document. 

ACT  II.— Rustic  bench,  flowers,  12  flambeaux,  wine  iug=s  goblets  24 
fans,  musical  instruments,  horn,  brush,  jug  of  oil,  dagger. 

ACT  III.— A/,t.v  statuary.  '2  settees,  vases,  flowers,  curules,  rugs  ta 
bles,  garland  of  flowers,  huge  scissors  (cross  swords),  coat  of  arms, 
I 

ACT  IV.— Couch,  table,  12  spears,  gong. 


JJBRAftY 


ACT    I. 

RELIGIO  SPECTACLE. 
FUNCTION  OF  PROLOGUE. 

INTERIOR: — Hall  of  Justice  Awaiting  Trial  of  Korihor, 
the  Anti- Christ. 

At  rise  of  Curtain  throng  of  sixty  or  more  citizens  of 
Zarahemla  enter  L.  in  twos,  threes,  or  more,  earnestly  dis 
cussing  the  approaching  trial  of  Korihor,  the  Anti- Christ. 
ZENOS  talking  with  OMNES,  c.  LAMARCK  talking  with, 
OMNES,  R.  ZENNOCK  talking  with  OMNES,  L.  Mob  kept 
logically  in  motion. 

ZENOS.    Say  what  thou  wi§lt,  Korihor  is  a  blasphemer. 
LAMARCK.     What   law    hath    he    broken  to   thus   be 
-*  brought  to  trial? 

OMNES.    Yes,  yes,  what  law?    Name  the  law. 
LAMARCK.     We  are  met  here  in  our  Hall  of  Justice  to 
hear  the  trial  of  Korihor,  the  Anti-Christ,  and  what  his 
*•  offense?  (Throng  interested— assembling.} 

ZENOS.  He  hath  spoken  blasphemy  against  the  law — 
>  against  his  God.  Hath  not  blasphemy  been  criminal 
*  from  the  beginning. 

5       LAMARCK.     Since  the  regin   of  kings  hath  ceased  with 
|    us,  we  have  no  law  to  punish  blasphemy. 

ZENOS.  Search  the  Scriptures,  my  friend;  search  the 
Scriptures. 

LAMARCK.     The  Scriptures? 

OMNES.  Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha.  (  Throng  rapidly  assembling 
from  various  parts  of  the  temple. 

LAMARCK.      We  are  not  governed  by  the  laws  written 
in  the  Scriptures,  but  by  those  laws  of  our  own  making. 
OMNES.    That  is  true^  etc.,  etc. 

LAMARCK.  (Has  been  talking  with  Omnes,  L.I.)  Yet 
those  laws  are  interpreted  by  a  High  Priest  according  to 
the  Scriptures. 

OMNES.     Well  said!    Bravo!    Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha. 
ZENNOCK.     (Aged,  bearded  brother  talking  with  another 
gray  beard.,  R.  c.)     These  men  are  but  contention  mon 
gers;    conspirators   against   the  law.      No   rule  at  all, 
would  suit  them  best. 


4  CO  ETA  N  TOX. 

LAMARCK.  'Tis  said  now  since  the  Judges  reign  that 
every  man  is  counted  free. 

ZEXXOCK  Too  free  for  much  unbridled  speech.  Our 
law  is  lax;  our  freedom  is  abused.  Ne'er  should  have 
been  a  Korihor,  an  Anti-Christ  for  trial. 

LAMARCK.  How  now,  gray  beard  and  High  Priest 
satellite.  In  Zarahemla  a  man  is  free  to  think  as  he  will; 
talk  as  he  will. 

JASPER  (entering  through  throng  L).  We  shall  see  if 
thou  art  right;  Korihor  will  never  quail. 

LAMARCK  (extending  hand — shake}.  Ah  my  good  friend 
Jasper,  And  thou  art  come  to  hear  the  trial  of  Korihor 
(mockingly). 

JASPER.  Could  Jasper  miss  so  certain  a  sensation? 
( They  laugh. ) 

LAMARCK.     'Tis  not  long  until  the  trial. 

JASPER.    The  dial  points  the  hour. 

(AMULOKI  AND  SEANTUM  stroll  in  from  prison  yard,  R. 

Our  greatest  friend,  our  Amuloki  (meets  him  extending 
both  hands).  Hath  Nephihah,  the  Chief  Judge,  granted 
our  request  that  we  may  see  the  prisoner? 

AMULOKI.  Ay,  ye  all  may  see  this  friend  of  freedom 
when  the  sentinel  announces. 

OMXES.     'Tis  well;  I  wish  to  see  him. 

JASPER.  .  Our  Judge  is  growing  liberal. 

ZENNOCK    He  hath  always  been  so;  liberal  and  just. 

OMXES  (some  of  them).  Thou  sayest  well!  He  hath, 
etc.,  etc. 

AMULOKI.  My  friends  of  Zarahemla,  it  gives  me  joy  to 
present  to  you  a  Zoramite  I'm  proud  to  know — Sean- 
tum,  foremost  man  in  Antionum. 

OMXES.  '(AM  bow  low.) 

SEAXTUM.  Noble  sirs,  it  is  a  joy  thus  to  meet  you. 
(As  he  boivs  he  gives  the  Secret  Gadianton  Order  sign  of 
"Recognition.") 

JASPER  (advancing  toward  Seantum.)  Thou  art  friend 
and  brother.  (Signs  "Return  of  Recognition,7'  "Secrecy." 
They  embrace  and  step  aside,  R.  1 ,  for  confidential  talk. ) 

AMULOKI.  Thou  wert  discussing  Korihor,  him  and  his 
coming  trial. 

(SHIBLOX  enters  L  and  looking  among  the  throng  for  his 
brother  CORIAXTOX.  Talking  with  OMXES  R.  ) 

I  tell  ye  there  is  much  truth  in  the  complaints  of 
Korihor.  The  High  Priest  and  the  Chief  Judge  are  be 
coming  too  arbitrary  in  their  rulings.  There  is  too 
much  said  about  law  and  order;  and  not  enough  regard 
paid  to  personal  liberty. 

SHIBLOX  (coming  down  R.  c.)  Tut,  man,  whenever  has 
a  disturber  of  the  peace,  a  blasphemer  of  God,  any 
enemy  to  religion,  come  amongst  us  but  he  hath  taken 
refuge  behind  the  cry  of  "liberty?" 

.IAKPKH  (to  AMULOKI  aside  like).  'Tis  Shiblon,  righteous 
son  of  High  Priest  Alma. 


CORIANTOX.  5 

SHIBLON.  Thus  did  Nehor  in  the  first  year  of  the 
reign  of  Judges.  So  did  Amlici,  five  years  later;  and 
Korihor  with  like  cunning,  adopts  their  cry  of  Liberty. 

OMNES.     (Some  applaud — some  sneer. ) 

SHIBLON.  Believe  me,  friends;  not  every  one  who  cries 
out  against  God,  religion,  and  the  law,  is  a  friend  to 
freedom.  Let  not  thy  minds  be  carried  away  by  the 
persuasion  of  men  who  prosper  by  violence  (looks  signifi 
cantly  at  AMULOKI)  and  thrive  on  tumults. 

(Exit  street,  L.  3  E.     All  look  significantly  at  each  other.} 

JASPER,     Umph!     Pointed  rebuke  that. 

AMULOKI.  Why,  'tis  not  to  be  wondered  that  the  son 
of  High  Priest  Alma  should  so  speak. 

OMNES.     True,  true,  etc.,  etc. 

AMULOKI.  E'en  though  a  stranger  listed,  had  he  over 
heard  old  Alma  preaching  in  the  Temple,  he  would 
know  this  man  his  pupil. 

AMULOKI.  (Looking  after  SHIBLON. )  Bah,  a  stripling, 
who  can  but  ape  his  father's  cant.  But  Corianton,  his 
brother,  a  man  of  broad  mind  and  deep  conception,  is  a 
friend  of  Korihor  and  liberty. 

JASPER.  (In  mockery  restraining  him}.  Hush-h-h-h. 
You're  in  the  Palace  of  God's  High  Priest,  who  smites 
with  the  words  of  his  mouth;  and  with  the  breath  of  his 
lips  slays  the  wicked.  Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha. 

OMNES.     (Laugh  a  scornful  laugh.} 

AMULOKI.  (Mockingly}  Ah,  yes,  I  bend  low  in  par 
don.  (To  OMNP;S.  )  Why,  think  men,  this  is  the  abode  of 
God's  vice-gerent;  the  headquarters  of  Heaven  on  earth; 
and  yet  ye  move  with  covered  heads.  (Mock  command.} 
Come  slaves,  kneel;  the  ground  on  which  ye  stand  is 
holy.  Ha,  ha,  ha. 

OMNES.     (Laugh  and  bow  in  mockery.) 

JASPER.  Yet  this  is  Zarahemla,  that  boasts  of  her 
liberty,  and  yet  at  the  gates  stand  the  minions  of  the 
High  Priest  and  Chief  Judge  to  question  whence  ye 
come  and  whither. 

OMNES.     (Assent  in  pantomime. } 

(SENTINEL  enters  from  jail  yard,  R.) 

SENTINEL.  Thou  may'st  see  the  prisoner  now  at 
any  time. 

OMNES.     'Tis  well.     Let  us  see  him,  etc. 

AMULOKI.  Guard,  tell  the  people  as  they  pass  thee  on 
the  street,  that  Korihor,  their  friend;  who  would  see 
them  free,  is  brought  from  Gideon  in  bands  for  liberty's 
sake;  and  is  soon  to  be  tried  before  an  imperious  High 
Priest  and  tyrant  judge  for  honest  disbelief  in  the 
traditions  of  their  fathers. 

( CORIANTON  leisurely  strolls  in  from  street,  L.  3  E.) 

Tell  them  this  and  ask  them  if  the  time  hath  come 
when  all  men  must  be  slaves  to  superstition. 

(Sentinel  turns  as  if  to  go.) 

CORIANTON  (downc.}  'Hold  Sentinel,  and  tell  them  too; 


G  CORIANTON. 

that  one  son  at  least  of  their  good   High  Priest  declares 
for  Korihor  and  liberty.     Now  go. 

(SENTINEL  exit  n.) 

OMNES.    Bravo,  Corianton,  bravo! 

,    CORIANTON.     Ah,  friends,  methinks  they  find  this  Kori 
hor  savage  as  a  lion  in  his  chains. 

AMULOKI  (down  to  him  affectionately}.  And  Corianton, 
always  true,  declares  himself  from  priestcraft  free. 

CORIANTON.  Ay,  tho'  the  priest,  my  father,  sirs,  I  love 
beyond  my  words,  these  unseen  powers  they  tell  us  of, 
to  me  are  fancy  dreams.  Why  not  a  sign — or  miracle  to 
all  of  us  be  given? 

OMNES.  Yes,  yes,  etc.,  etc.  (Varied  business.}  I  have 
seen  no  sign,  etc.,  etc 

ZENNOCK.     Ah,  the  High  Priest  knoweth  best. 

CORIANTON.  Is  God  so  choice  that  righteous  ones 
alone  may  know. 

JASPER  (aside  to  AMULOKI),  I  never  knew  before  how 
much  we  are  in  bondage. 

AMULOKI  (aside  to  JASPER).  How  dull  thou  art. 
(Nadges  him  and  winks  significantly.}  The  Priestly  coffers 
must  be  filled. 

CORIANTON  (overheard  it,}  Priestly  coffers — Hold,  sir; 
no  man,  if  friend  to  me  as  thou  pretendest  now,  will  in 
sinuate  so  vile  an  insult.  No  other  man,  friend  or  nay, 
can  do  it  with  impunity;  and  Amuloki,  thou  as  well, 
must  answer  even  now;  for  by  my  steel,  I'll  trow,  I'll 
defend  my  father's  honor. 

(OMNES  stand  aghast;  some  pleased.} 

AMULOKI.  Why  Corianton,  what's  amiss;  that  thou 
shouldst  rant  in  such  a  strain? 

CORIANTON.  What's  amiss?  Dost  thou  presume  I'll 
pass  unnoticed  such  imputations  'gainst  my  father's 
name?  Tho'  I,  as  thou,  am  slow  to  see  their  logic  of 
theology,  to  me  my  father's  name  is  sacred.  I  know 
and  here  assert — also  will  here  maintain — that  my  dear 
and  reverend  father  hath  labored  with  his  own  hands 
for  his  support,  and  hath  never  received  one  senine  in 
his  priestly  calling.  Thou  know'st,  too;  so  make 
amends;  for  I  intend  thou  shalt.  ( Taps  his  sword  signifi 
cantly.  } 

(OMNES.    Some  applaud.} 

AMULOKI  (inmock,  apology.}  Most  noble  friend  and 
High  Priest's  sou,  thou  hast  ill  understood  my  meaning. 
Thy  father  is  above  suspicion.  (Boius  and  winks  for  JAS 
PER  to  interrupt  the  scene.) 

JASPER,  Come,  come,  no  more  of  this.  Let's  to  the 
jail  and  see  the  prisoner.  Mayhap  we'll  comfort  be,  and 
let  him  know  at  least  that  someare  for  him  and  freedom. 

(  AMULOKI  and  JASPER  in  charge  of  mob,  exit  n.  COR- 
i ANTON  much  ruffled,  slowly  passes  down  R.  SHIBLON  who 
entered  L.  as  OMNES  were  filing  out  to  prison  yard,  passes 
down  to  him.} 


CORIANTON.  7 

SHIBLON.  Corianton,  have  no  more  to  do  with  these 
people.  Remember  what  I  told  thee  on  the  yesterday. 
Heed  not  these  gossip  mongers.  They  mean  no  good  to 
any  staple  cause. 

CORIANTON.  Thou  wouldst  presume  to  guide  thy 
brother?  Why,  when  thou  wert  ill  I  tossed  thee  on  my 
back  and  scaled  the  mountain  peaks  with  thee  so  that 
thou  mightest  breathe  a  better  air.  I  taught  thee  how 
to  speed  an  arrow  straight.  Thou  wert  quite  delicate 
in  thy  youth.  Nay,  nay,  dear  brother,  do  not  attempt 
t6  counsel  me. 

SHIBLON.  Thine  unbelief  should  smite  thy  conscience. 
Had  mother  lived  'twould  not  be  so. 

CORIANTON  (sighs}.  Mother!  mother!  what  adear  kind 
mother  she  was.  She  loved  her  boys — Helaman,  Shiblon 
and  her  wayward  Corianton.  She  bid  me  heed  their 
counsel;  but  in  this  I  have  sadly  failed.  What  can  I  do 
to  make  amends? 

SHIBLON.     Heed  pur  father's  counsel. 

CORIANTON.  Seriously  brother,  I  think  this  treatment 
of  Korihor  is  too  harsh.  Our  law  protects  a  man  in 
his  belief;  and  tho'  Korihor  hath  a  proud  bearing,  and 
holds  what  thou  believest  to  be  dangerous  views;  still  1 
think  the  authorities  of  Gideon  exceeded  their  jurisdic 
tion  in  sending  him  bound  to  this  city. 

SHIBLON  (rather  surprised  at  the  speech.}  Holds  what  I 
believe  to  be  dangerous  views?  And  dost  thou  not  be 
lieve  them  dangerous,  too?  Ah,  Corianton,  1  am  afraid 
•£he  spirit  of  unbelief  infused  into  thy  soul  when  before 
he  was  here  hath  not  yet  been  worked  out. 

CORIANTON  (good  naturedly}.  Well,  it  hath  not  been 
the  fault  of  my  dear  brother.  (Arm  about  him  and  good 
naturedly  taps  SHIBLON'S  lips  with  Jlnger]  for  I  have  heard 
little  else  since  his  departure  from  Zarahemla,  but  thy 
lame  arguments  in  support  of  the  shadowy  traditions 
of  our  fathers,  about  the  coming  of  the  Messiah  and 
.His  atonement. 

SHIBLON.  I  am  sorry  to  find  thee  in  this  mood  my 
brother;  and  it  grieves  me  to  hear  thee  talk  so  lightly  of 
things  that  are  sacred;  but  if  too  much  restraint  hath 
been  thrown  upon  the  liberty  of  Korihor,  by  the 
authorities  of  Gideon,  thou  knowest  full  well  that  jus 
tice  will  be  done  him  in  the  courts  of  our  father  and  the 
Chief  Judge. 

SENTINEL  (entering}.  Korihor  would  see  his  friend 
Corianton.  ( Exit  R.  ) 

SHIBLON.  Corianton,  do  not  go  to  see  the  blas 
phemer.  (Arms  about  him.}  It  is  the  time  of  the  day  to 
consider  the  mission  to  reclaim  the  Zoramites.  They 
are  fast  losing  respect  for  the  Faith  and  for  the  Law  as 
well.  Our  father  sent  me  to  find  thee  and  bring  thee  to 
the  council.  He  wishes  thee  to  be  a  party  to  the  mis 
sion. 


8  CORIANTOX. 

CORIANTON.  Thou  mayst  go,  brother;  but  I  will  not. 
I  have  little  relish  for  these  dull  councils;  and  as  for  con 
verting  the  Zoramites,  they  may  be  as  right  in  their 
theology  as  we,  for  aught  I  know.  The  whole  subject 
is  so  wrapped  in  mystery  that  we  can  at  least  afford  to 
be  liberal  and  not  bind  men,  and  cast  them  into  prison 
for  daring  to  assert  their  disbelief  in  these  mysterious 
things. 

SHIBLON.  But  it  is  the  express  wish  of  our  father  that 
thou  shouldst  attend  the  council.  Out  of  respect  for 
him,  wilt  thou  not  go? 

CORIANTON.  Say  to  our  good  father,  the  Priest,  that 
I  am  gone  to  visit  one  who  is  cast  into  prison  for  the 
cause  of  liberty.  (Seeing  a  pained  look  in  SHIBLON'S 
face,  he  forbears.}  Shiblon,  go  thou  to  the  council;  and 

five  no  further  thought  concerning  me.  (Arm  about 
im.}  Thy  patience,  thy  goodness,  thy  deep  conviction, 
maketh  of  thee  a  fit  instrument  of  God.  Not  so  with 
me;  my  wild  love  for  liberty  can  ill  brook  the  restraints 
of  the  Priesthood,  and  the  skepticism  ingrained  in  my 
very  nature,  disqualifies  me  for  the  ministry.  I'll  none 
of  it  till  I  see  some  manifestation  of  the  power  of  God, 
spoken  of  so  frequently  by  our  father,  and  of  which  the 
Scriptures  speak  on  nearly  every  page. 

SHIBLON.    Thou  asketh  for  a  sign  as  well? 

CORIANTON  (crossing  to  R.  1).  And  why  not  I?  So, 
farewell,  brother,  I  go  to  visit  Korihor.  (Exit  R.  1  E.) 

SHIBLON  (gazing  after  him.}  Oh  why  is  it  that  natural 
born  leaders,  those  blessed  with  a  Heaven  born  intelli 
gence  should  be  cursed  with  a  doubting,  rebellious  spirit, 
that  weighs  down  all  their  better  parts  and  wrecks  the 
hopes  built  on  what  their  talents  promise?  O  that  some 
good  angel  would  my  brother  meet,  to  shake  off  his 
doubting  fears  and  give  him  back  to  us  converted!  Then 
how  would  shine  that  master  power  within  him,  which 
overawes  men's  minds  and  bends  them  to  his  purpose! 
(Looking  after  him.}  Brother,  flout  me  if  thou  wilt;  but 
I'll  follow  thee  thro' all  thy  fortunes,  good  or  ill,  and 
win  thee  yet  to  God. 

RELIA.  (Enter  from  street,  L.  3  E.  Flower  either  in  her 
hair,  or  a  bouquet.}  Ah,  Shiblon,  thou  art  here. 

SHIBLON.     L  must  hasten  to  the  council  of  the  Priests. 

RELIA.  Know'st  not  the  council  hath  adjourned  to 
hear  the  case  of  Korihor? 

SHIBLON.  And  Relia,  thou  art  come  to  hear  the  scoffer 
tried?  For  shame 

RELIA.  Nay,  Shiblon,  but  from  him  to  whom  I  am  in 
ward— thy  father,  sir— I  am  come  with  message  for  thee. 

SHIBLON.  Nay,  I  would  not  chide  thee,  love;  for  am  I 
not  here  as  well? 

RELIA.  (Suppressed  anxiety.)  Corianton,  where  is  he? 
Thy  father  bids  thee  find  and  keep  him  near  thee. 


CORIANTON.  9 

SHIBLOX.  A  special  message  from  Korikor  hath  called 
him. 

RELIA.  Korihor?  O  Shiblon,  let  him  not  have  speech 
with  that  bold,  bad  man. 

SHIBLON.  My  love  could  not  restrain  him;  tho'  I  shall 
seek  him  soon  again. 

(RELIA  starts  away.  He  takes  her  hand  and  detains  her.) 
Relia,  dear,  art  yet  decided  on  the  day  thou'lt  be  wife  of 
Shiblon? 

RELIA.     Talk  not  of  such  here  in  the  public  hall. 

SHIBLON.  A  son  of  Alma  wooeth  in  the  highway.  Say 
to-morrow,  or  a  fortnight  hence;  and  we'll  celebrate 
with  jollity. 

RELIA.  Nay,  nay,  dear  Shiblon,  not  so  soon.  Why 
haste  the  matter  so? 

SHIBLON.  Why  Relia,  if  dost  love  me,  why  procrasti 
nate  the  day?  Thou  knowst  well  that  never  woman 
boasted  greater  love  than  Relia,  plighted  wife  of  Shiblon. 

RELIA.  Yes,  yes,  I  know;  I  know;  but  Shiblon,  dear, 
thou  knowst  just  as  well,  it  was  my  father's  pledge;  and 
Shiblon, — (Looking  him  full  in  face.)  Think'st  thou  art 
loved  as  lovers  should? 

SHIBLON.  I  love  thee  more  than  mortal  woman  was 
ever  loved  before;  and  my  heart  doth  answer:  "Loved 
as  well." 

RELIA.  I  honor  and  respect,  adore  and  praise;  but 
more  I  cannot  offer  now. 

SHIBLON.    Thou  dost  not  love  me  then? 

RELIA.  (Troubled,  pleads.)  O  Shiblon,  dear,  kind, 
loving,  the  truest  heart  in  God's  great  universe.  How  is 
it  my  heart  doth  not  incline  to  thee?  Why  not  delay  till  I 
can  render  thee  my  whole  heart?  (Arms  about  his  neck. 
Enter  BASTOL /row  street;  sees  the  situation.) 

BASTOL.  Well,  well,  ha,  ha!  a  fitting  attitude,  indeed, 
for  this  a  public  hall. 

(Break;  RELIA  blushes:  SHIBLON  vexed .) 

SHIBLON.  Thy  business  mind;  and  keep  close  counsel, 
Jester. 

BASTOL.  I  have  no  business,  sir;  and  some  dispute 
my  claim  to  mind  as  well. 

SHIBLON.     Thou  art  not  far  from  a  fool. 

BASTOL  (measuring  toioard  SHIBLON.)  True,  about  two 
measures,  sir.  (RELIA  laughs;  SHIBLON  angered.) 

SHIBLON  (recovering  a  smile).  Adieu,  dear  Relia;  I  must 
Corianton  seek.  (Exit  into  prison  yard,  R.) 

BASTOL.    Leave  not   on  my  account.      I'll  cast  thee 
lots  and  if  I  lose,  I  will  go  and  thou  shalt  stay  (SHIBLOX 
is  gone).    Shiblon,  pious  son  of  Alma,  always  preaching 
k  righteousness  and  finding  few  to  listen. 

RELIA.    Thou  speakest  little  praise  of  Shiblon. 

BASTOL.  My  master,  Corianton,  wild  and  headlong;: 
yet  with  this  son  the  giddy  ladies  fall  in  love.  He  heeds- 


10  .       CORIANTON. 

them  not;  e'en  less  than  his  father's  dry  theology.    Sen 
timent  catches  him  as  doth  flattery  a  woman. 

RE  LI  A.     As  flattery  doth  some  women. 

BASTOL.  In  the  heart  this  love  is  vaulted,  guarded 
well  by  armed  thought;  but  flattery  in  wisdom  rationed, 
is  the  key  that  opens  the  vault. 

RELIA.     And  how  of  men? 

BASTOL.  Before  the  marriage  vow  is  said,  the  man, 
unsought  doth  kneel;  but  when  his  baited  fish  is  landed, 
the  bride  doth  kneel— unsought  by  her. 

RELIA.  A  prelude,  self  confessed,  to  thy  union  with 
rich  Sarah,  her  of  few  years  to  live, and  endless  money  in 
her  coffers. 

BASTOL.     Thou  knowst  Sarah  then? 

RWLIA.     Ay,  the  money  keeper 

BASTOL.  Yes,  she  kept  mine;  and  then  when  ceased 
the  inpouring  stream,  she  cast  me  out;  and  he,  old  Reu 
ben,  a  dried  up,  grumbling,  boasting  bear,  she  chose; 
but  I  shall  be  avenged.  A  warrior  now  am  I;  with  "W" 
writ  might3T.  For  a  sword,  my  birthright  1  exchanged. 
With  one  fell  swoop,  I'll —  (  Draws  from,  a  mammoth 
scabbard — one  which  drags  the  floor — a  ndniatare  sword; 
attitudes;  RELIA  laughs  and  catches  his  arm. 

RELIA.     Put  up  thy  sword;  the  man  is  dead. 

BASTOL.  Ah,  well,  I'll  follow  not  his  corpse;  for  there 
may  be  some  doubt  as  to  which  road  he  went.  (Pause — 
thoughtful.) 

RELIA.     Why  pausest  thou? 

BASTOL.  I  was  just  wondering  if  a  man  ever  pros 
pers  who  kills  old  people.  (Sloivly puts  up  his  sword.} 
Why,  Relia,  I  once  saved  his  life;  and  when  calm  o'er- 
came  his  fright,  he  paid  me  but  one  seiiine,  grudgingly. 
The  copper  held  I  to  his  gaze.  On  it,  on  him  I  gazed  a 
spell — o'erpaid  am  I  for  such  a  job— and  flung  the  coin  at 
the  miser's  feet. 

RELIA.  Now  thou'lt  better  suit  thyself;  for  Sarah  was 
to  thee  ill-mated.  What  qualities  doth  thy  mind  crave? 

BASTOL.  The  bride  of  Bastol  must  be  dark,  yea,  very 
dark;  eyes  like  beedles;  hair  as  raven's  color;  form  not 
tall;  nor  short  and  bunty  she;  I  can  talk  enough  for 
twain — silent  or  slow  her  tongue  must  be. 

RELIA.  Ha,  ha,  ha,  methinks,  in  Zarahemla  thou'lt 
not  find  a  bride  of  thy  description. 

BASTOL.  My  master,  Corianton,  findeth  many  of  his 
description.  I  am  his  armor  bearer,  content  to  follow 
him — making  merry  as  I  go.  Mayhap  I'll  count  among, 
dross,  my  silent  tongued,  my  dark  complexioned  damsel 
that  I  seek. 

CORIANTON  (outside  R.  coming}.    The  same  bold  Kori- 
hor  he  is,  that  once  before  was  in  our  midst.   (CORIANTON 
enters  R.  1  E.)    What,  Relia  here;  the  thing   I  long  have 
sought,  to  see  thee  while  alone. 
1 5. \STOL.     Well,  am  I  nothing? 


CORIANTON,  11 

CORIANTON.  Thou  Relia  wouldst  amuse  thyself  with 
Bastol  and  his  wit. 

BASTOL.  "Amuse  thyself;"  and  wit  my  only  merit. 
Umph,  I  will  tarry  here  no  longer.  (Strikes  out  11.) 

RELIA.     What  wilt  thou,  Corianton? 

CORIANTON  (approaching  her).  Relia  dear,  I  would  tell 
thee  that  I  love  thee. 

RELIA.  Hush-h-h-h-h,  say  that  word  not  again.  Be 
thou  my  friend  and  brother. 

CORIANTON.  I  shall  be  neither  friend  nor  brother,  but 
stand  confessed  thy  lover.  Providence  designed  me  for 
thy  shield — let  me  be  thy  protector. 

RELIA  (hesitatingly}.  Yes,  I  owe  thee  my  life,  for  'twas 
thy  skill  and  bravery  that  saved  me  from  the  wild 
beast's  fury. 

CORIANTON.  And  dost  yet  recall— long  years  ago— a 
flower  gathering  party 

RELIA.  How  two  little  friends,  tho'  from  the  same 
bower,  sought  solitude  together? 

CORIANTON.  How  he  taunted  her  as  she  wove  their 
garlands 

RELIA.    And  she  drove  him  away — in  tears. 

CORIANTON.  He  went  away,  but  he  returned — he  found 
her — still  in  tears. 

RELIA.  A  kind  providence  prompted  that  return.  As 
he  neared  the  cypress  he  left  her  by,  a  serpent  uncoiled 
from  a  limb.  It  waved  its  head  and  darted  its  tongue 
— it  held  her  in  its  spell.  His  tears  were  dried;  he  sped 
toward  her  side— but  the  serpent  held  her  still.  A  mo 
ment  more  and  'twould  coil  her  waist  and  crush  her  life 
away.  He  could  not  reach  her  side  in  time;  what  could 
the  young  man  do?  He  drew  from  his  quiver 

CORIANTON.  An  arrow  strong  and  pinioned  that  ser 
pent's  head  to  the  tree! 

RELIA.     And  he  won  her  heart — he  hath  it  yet 

CORIANTON.  Relia  thou  hast  said!  Tell  me  of  thy  love, 
the  love  of  a  willing  heart.  Be  thou  my  bride  as  thou 
hast  ever  been  my  lover. 

RELIA.  Hush,  Relia;  thou  hast  o'ersald  it  quite,  (to 
CORIANTON.)  Our  parents  made  another  choice.  "Honor 
and  obey  thy  parents."  Mine  honor  and  my  duty  make 
me — another's. 

CORIANTON.     Another's? 

RELIA.    Make  me — Shiblon's. 

CORIANTON.    Shiblon's? 

RELIA.  Honor  and  duty  have  been  the  guiding  stars 
of  my  life— let  us  part. 

CORIANTON  (meditating}.  Thine  honor  and  thy  duty 
make  thee  Shiblon's. 

RELIA.    From  childhood  we  have  been  selected 

CORIANTON.    Parent's  choice— by  you  not  ratified. 

RELIA.  Our  parents  too  oft  love  for  us.  My  father 
chose  the  pious  son. 


12  CORIANTON. 

CORIANTON.  Thine  explanation  plain — mine  unbelief. 
Yea,  I  am  wild;  throw  off  restraint;  by  the  Priesthood, 
yet  untamed.  I  must  cope  with  mankind,  share  their 
broils,  make  merry  yet  in  innocence,  and  when  this  incli 
nation  is  torpid  with  excess,  'tis  time  enough  to  long 
my  face  and  pious  be  converted.  (To  h°,r  tenderly.} 
Thou  art  pure;  as  angels  fair;  thy  soul  transparent  to 
the  gaze.  (Somewhat  falteringly . )  Relia  dear,  one  ques 
tion  pray;  dost  thou  love  one;  or  is  thy  heart  divided? 

RELIA  (hangs  her  head.}     One  only. 

CORIANTON  (joyously}.  That  one  I  know  is  Corianton 
then.  (Advances  to  embrace  her.  Restraining  himself.} 
Nay,  Corianton,  she  is  thy  brother's  plighted  wife. 
Relia  dear,  thou  lovest  me;  for  thy  heart  speaks  when 
thy  lips  would  fain  be  mute.  I  could  love  thee — O  so 
much — but  Shiblon,  I  resign  to  thee.  ( They  meet  each 
others  gaze;  then  RELIA  falls  on  his  neck',  pause — he  tenderly 
unclasps  her  arms  as  he  recovers  himself.}  Nay,  Corianton; 
thou  must  be  loyal  to  thy  brother. 

(RELIA  sighs.  He  leads  her  up  to  L.  3  E.  Turns  at  exit; 
SHIBLON  enters  R.  CORIANTON  with  appropriate  business 
resigns  his  place  as  RELIA'S  escort  to  SHIBLON. 

CORIANTON  (to  SHIBLON).  Take  her  Shiblon;  (to  RELIA) 
Go  with  Shiblon;  his  love— thy  duty.  Go.  (Exit  SHIBLON 
and  RELIA  L.  3.  RELIA  exits  she  turns  to  CORIANTON,  hold 
ing  toward  him  a  flower,  drops  it;  he  picks  it  up,  business, 
then  slowly  follows.) 

(SEANTUM  and  AMULOKI  entering  from  prison  yard  in 
conversation.  Rather  suppressed  dialogue. ) 

SEANTUM.  I  tell  thee,  Amuloki,  keep  ever  before  thee, 
the  object  of  our  Gadianton  Order. 

AMULOKI.  Ay,  the  overthrow  of  the  Nephite  reign. 
Our  oath  is  anti-law,  anti-church,  anti-all,  but  gain. 

SEANTUM  (fearful).  Hush,  but  we  must  not  act  at 
this  time.  Korihor,  is  bold  enough  and  clever  too  for 
all  that  should  be  said. 

AMULOKI.  Thou  sayst  well.  Tonight  we  hold  a  meet 
ing  of  our  secret  Gadianton  Order. 

SEANTUM.    At  the  rendezvous? 

AMULOKI.    The  same. 

SEANTUM.    The  object. 

AMULOKI.  To  count  our  swords  that  thou  mayst 
know  our  strength. 

SEANTUM.  That  in  its  proper  season,  but  my  thoughts 
are  now  of  Korihor.  He  is  a  Zoramite,  from  mine  own 
city. 

AMULOKI.  And  thou  hast  come  all  the  way  from  An- 
tionum  to  the  trial  of  thy  friend? 

SEANTUM.  He  is  more  than  friend  (significantly).  To 
thee  as  well. 

AMULOKI  (astonished).  What?  a  brother  of  our  Gad 
ianton  Order? 

SEANTUM.    The  same. 


CORIANTON.  13 

AMULOKI.    Then  he  shall  be  free  this  day. 

SEANTUM.  Nay,  we  are  not  yet  strong  enough  to  take 
offensive  action. 

AMULOKI.     We  boast  a  legion  sworn  till  death. 

SEANTUM.  'Tis  not  enough.  Bide  my  time.  We'll 
count  them  not  a  legion  but  a  host. 

AMULOKI.  Reckon  not  a  host  uncounted.  The  High 
Priest  and  his  bevy  make  a  mission  to  thy  city. 

SKANTUM.    Their  mission  will  come  to  naught. 

AMULOKI.  Be  not  too  certain.  His  forceful  son,  the 
young  and  princely  Corianton,  is  urged  to  join  the  mis 
sion. 

SEANTUM.  Better  first  convert  the  young  and  hand 
some  Corianton.  (Both  laugh.} 

AMULOKI.    That  is  a  kindred  object  of  the  mission. 

SEANTUM.  I  pray  thee  Amuloki,  give  impetus  to  such 
a  plan.  It  will  aid  me  to  nullify  their  mission. 

AMULOKI.     And  what  thy  plan? 

SEANTUM.  Not  perfect  yet,  argument,  intrigue,  force 
if  need  be.  I  shall  kill  that  mission  if  I  needs  must  slay 
the  Priests. 

AMULOKI.  Silence,  man  (looks  fearfully  about}.  Let 
prudence  guide.  Let  cunning  be  thy  plan;  not  blood. 

SEANTUM.  Nay,  grow  not  faint  at  one  Priest's  blood. 
A  score  or  so  must  fall.  Our  secret  oath  commands. 

AMULOKI.    A  fearful  oath. 

SEANTUM.  Zarahemla  must  fall;  our  Gadianton  Order 
triumph;  but  to  conquer,  we  must  wade  in  blood. 

(CORIANTON  enters  L.  busy  with  flower.} 

AMULOKI.  Nay,  Seantum,  not  so  loud.  (Looks  about 
fearful  and  sees  CORIANTON.  Calls  SEANTUM'S  attention. } 

SEANTUM.     What  man  is  that? 

AMULOKI.  The  High  Priest's  son  in  question.  Thinkst 
thou  he  heard? 

SEANTUM.     Be  it  so;  the  man  must  die. 

AMULOKI.  I  shall  learn.  (Up  to  him.}  My  noble  friend, 
my  Corianton.  Lend  now  thine  ear  and  heart  for  jus 
tice.  (Arm  about  him.}  Thou  art  troubled  man.  Come 
rouse  thyself  and  know  my  friend  Seantum.  {Leads  him 
down.}  Let  the  best  robed  man  in  Zarahemla  meet  his 
only  rival. 

SEANTUM  (taking  both  his  hands}.  This  is  an  honor  to 
Seantum. 

CORIANTON.  The  honor  is  not  thine  but  mine,  to  know 
so  great  a  man. 

SEANTUM  (to  CORIANTON).  'Tis  said  thou  art  to  join 
thy  father's  mission. 

CORIANTON.  'Tis  rumor  false.  I  cannot  lead  myself  to 
teach  till  first  I  am  full  well  convinced. 

SEANTUM.  I  pray  thee  heed  thy  father's  wish  and  be 
party  to  the  mission.  Thou'lt  be  a  power  'rnongst  the 
young.  Apostacy  from  faith  is  apostacy  from  law. 

AMULOKI  (aside}.     Priest  and  power  to  near  one. 


14  CORIANTOX. 

SEANTUM.  I  grant  my  views  religious  are  as  darkly 
thro'  a  glass;  but  our  Banner  of  the  Serpent  is  ever  in 
my  heart. 

CORIANTON.    I  am  proud  to  know  a  prince  so  loyal. 

SEAXTUM.  I  pray  thee  join  the  mission.  Be  my  guest 
in  Antionum.  Our  cause  is  common  for  the  Law  if  not 
for  the  Sanctuary. 

CORIANTOX  Thy  words  take  hold  on  me.  They  are 
kindred  to  my  father's. 

(Cheers  and  laughter  outside  in  the  prison  yard.) 

JASPER  (outside,  coming}.    Korihor  is  right. 

LAMARCK  (outside,  com  ing).    He  can  speak  for  himself. 

ZENOS.    Justice  slmll  be  done  him. 

ZEXXOCK  (outside,  coming).  The  Judge  will  set  him 
free. 

JASPER  (entering  R.  ivith  friend).     'Tis  best  he  should. 

LAMARCK  (who  has  entered  with  JASPP:R).     So  say  I. 

OMNES  (entering  from  yard,  R.)    So  say  we  all,  etc.,  etc. 
(  Two  distant  bugle  calls . ) 

JASPER  (down  L.)  The  Chief  Judge  cometh  with  his 
High  Priest  shadow,  ha,  ha. 

(OMNES  laugh,  derisive.) 

LAMARCK.    This  shadow  is  our  Judge  in  fact. 

(Deep  peal  of  thunder  nearer.  Lightning  flash.  Two 
more  trumpet  calls.) 

All  nature  groans.  The  heavens  weep  for  Korihor  in 
his  chains. 

(Chorus  heard  outside;  coming  nearer;  singing.  One 
nearer  bugle  call. ) 

•'JUSTICE  HO." 

AMULOKI.    Hist! 

JASPER  (hushes  OMNES  severely).    Canst  hear,  be  silent. 

AMULOKI  (pause;  listen).  The  Chief  Judge  cometh. 
(Leaves  CORIANTON — down  to  OMNES.]  His  pageantry 
heralds  his  approach.  We  now  must  pause  a  spell  the 
while  a  tinsilled,  long  drawn  opening  of  court,  impress 
us  with  the  wisdom  of  the  Chief  Judge. 

JASPER.    The  glory  of  Solomon  in  counterfeit. 

AMULOKI.    His  wisdom  too,  in  imitant. 

JASPER  (to  OMNES).  Come,  doff;  the  heralds  are  at 
hand. 

(Storm  inci' eases..  Pageantry  entrance.  Chorus  ivhich 
has  been  heard  in  the  distance  singing — 

"JUSTICE  HO," 

is  now  at  hand.  Enter  in  columns  of  twos — all  carrying 
fern  palms— winding  their  way  down  the  stage  amidst  the 
pillars.  As  they  near  the  thrones,  columns  separate,  halt, 
face  and  form  an  arch  with  their  palms  extended.  High 
Priest  Alma  and  Chief  Judge  Nephihah,  followed  by  aco 
lytes,  pass  under  the  arch  between  the  lines  and  take  their 
places  on  thrones.  Chorus  counter  marches— rear  passing 
under  arch,  palms  at  "carry" — and  form  rear  as  back 
ground  to  picture— all  the  while  chanting.) 


CORIANTON.  15 

"JUSTICE  HO!" 
(pp.  distant.) 

We  come; 
We  come; 
We  come  to  herald  the  judgment  seat 

For  justice  here  below. 
(p.  nearer.") 

The  wicked  prosper,  a  harvest  reap; 
And  virtue's  triumph  is  slow. 
(Repeat  forte  as  enter. ) 

Ho  for  Justice; 

Ho  for  Justice; 

The  man  accused  may  state  his  case, 

Plead  his  cause; 
No  guile  is  his  till  proven  base 
According  to  the  laws. 
Justice  ho; 
Justice  ho; 

Justice  is  a  gift  of  God, 
An  unknown  path,  not  often  trod; 
May  the  accused  be  heard  this  day 

Have  naught  but  truth  to  say; 
Have  naught  but  truth  to  say. 
( Burning  of  incense,  attitude  as  sing. ) 

Lord  we  ask  Thee  lend  Thine  ear; 

Let  Thy  spirit  linger  near; 
Grant  that  every  word  portend 

Toward  justice;  Amen;   Amen. 

(Silence  save  a  deep  peal  of  thundred.  BASTOL  rushes  ih' 
R.  1  E.,  shouting.  Stumbles  and  falls.} 

BASTOL.  The  trial  begins.  Korihor  coineth  in  his 
chains. 

CORIANTON  (as  he  is  well  on;  rashes  up:  seizes  BASTOL,  by 
the  wrist  firmly}.  Thou  fool;  beshrew  thy  tongue. 

(J$A&TOl*fng£teffed9  retires  near  door,  L.  3.  OMNES  all  R.  and 
L.  leaving  v.  vacant.  SEANTUM,  AMULOKI  and  JASPER  down 
L.  CORIANTON  down  R.  All  silent  and  expectant ;  -weird  music; 
MORIANTON  enters  with  K.ORlHQR,conJtdeMttdejiafit  in  his  chains. 
MoRIANTON  kneels,  extends  papyrus  holder  toward  NEPHIHAH. 
Judge  takes  the  document  unrolls  and  scans  it.  Six  soldiers  file  in 
and  form  on  either  side  the  Altar  down  on  stage  level.  KORIHOR 
surveys  the  throng  and  signs  Gadianton  order  ^Distress" 
JASPER  and  AMULOKI  start  to  draw  and  rush  to  his  aid.} 

SEANTUM.  (Staying  JASPER,  holding  AMULOKI.)  Nay, 
friends;  peace  and  prudence. 

AMULOKI.  But  he  signs  "Distress."  Our  oath,  man, 
our  oath! 

SEANTUM.  'Twas  but  to  count  his  friends;  and  see,  he 
signs  us  once  again;  and  this  time  "Peace"  his  signal. 

( KORIHOR,  smiling,    has   meanwhile  signalled    "Peace" 

MORIANTON.  Most  noble  Chief  Judge,  I  come  from  the 
Land  of  Gideon,  to  bring  one  Korihor,  the  Anti-Christ, 


1C  CORIANTON. 

who  seeks  to  destroy  religion;  subvert  all  government — 

KORIHOR  (loud  and  defiant,  blasphemous}.  Thou  liest 
almost  as  well  as  a  High  Priest 

(OMNES  approve;  CORIANTON  noticeably  vexed.} 

I  seek  but  to  root  out  of  men's  minds  their  false  tra 
ditions  concerning  God  and  Christ,  and  make  them  free. 

MORIANTON  (accustomed  to  these  outburst*;  Judge  reads 
undisturbed).  I  have  brought  Korihor  from  the  land  of 
Gideon,  where  he  was  tried 

KORIHOR.    For  his  virtues. 

(Suppressed  murmur  of  approval  from  OMNES.) 

MORIANTON.  For  his  offenses;  and  the  Chief  Judge  of 
Gideon  hath  sent  him  to  the  Chief  Judge  of  the  whole 
land. 

KORIHOR.  And  God's  High  Priest.  I  pray  thee  do  not 
leave  that  out. 

OMNES  murmur  approval  and  disapproval;  sentiment  pro 
and  con.  CORIANTON  nervously  grasps  sword.} 

MORIANTON.  Korihor  is  before  thfe  and  ready  to 
answer.  Take  the  prisoner,  my  task  is  finished. 

(Retires  R.,  thunder  increases;  lightning  visible  at  inter 
vals.} 

NEPHIHAH.  (Laying  aside  document — scanned.}  Kori 
hor,  thou  art  charged  by  the  authorities  of  Gideon  with 
having  sought  to  stir  up  sedition,  disrupt  the  govern 
ment,  and  destroy  religion.  It  doeth  appear,  however, 
that  thou  hast  set  on  foot  no  society  to  accomplish 
these  unworthy  purposes;  thou  hast  merely  agitated 
them  by  thy  speeches.  The  law  hath  no  hold  on  thee. 
Our  law  cannot  punish  a  man  for  his  belief  merely. 
Therefore,  it  is  my  decision  that  thou  be  set  at  liberty. 

(OMNES  suppressed  murmurs  of  surprise;  murmurs  of 
satisfaction  also.) 

Let  me  remind  thee,  however,  that  our  present  system 
of  government  has  been  most  fruitful  of  happiness  to 
the  people.  Let  me  caution  thee,  also,  that  thy  present 
path  is  full  of  danger.  Thou  art  acquitted  before  the 
law  of  the  land;  but  the  High  Priest  may  have  some 
counsel  for  thee. 

KORIHOR.  (Sneer ingly .)  Acquitted  before  the  law  of 
the  land;  now  I  suppose  I  am  to  be  tried  before  the 
law  of  Heaven;  well,  we've  heard  from  earth,  now 
we're  ready  to  hear  from  Heaven;  what  a  pity  it  is 
the  other  place  is  not  represented.  (Signifies  downward, 
h—l.)  We  should  then  have  a  trinity  of  thee  to  hear 
from.  (Folds  arms.)  Well,  proceed,  Heaven. 

BASTOI,,  Wilt  thou  not  see?  Look  to  thyself,  thou 
silly  ass.  (Suppressed  laughter — hushed.) 

ALMA.  Korihor,  thy  speech  ill  becomes  thine  intelli 
gence.  Thy 

KORIHOR.  What?  Hath  Heaven  turn  flatterer?  Can 
a  Priest  ppeak  to  an  opponent  in  fair,  well-seeming 
words?  (Defiantly  confident.}  Ah,  sir  Priest,  thou 


CORIANTON.  17 

knowest  well  to  whom  thou  speakest;  one  who  will  not 
kneel  in  the  dust  at  thy  feet;  one  who  fears  neither  thee 
nor  thy  Gods;  but  is  free  from  thy  slavish  superstitions. 
Thou  knowst  this;  else  we  should  have  had  thunder  from 
God's  mouthpiece  and  not  the  melifluous  tones,  breath 
ing  softly — (in  mockery] — "Korihor,  thy  speech  ill- 
becomes  thine  intelligence." 

(CORIANTON  nervovs,  angry.  OMNES  all  pleased  yet 
respectful,  save  those  against  KORIHOR.  Thunder  and 
lightning.} 

ALMA.  Think  not  I  meant  to  flatter;  for  I  meant  to 
say,  hadst  thou  listed  closely,  that  thy  speech  would  do 
credit  to  a  perverse  child.  Korihor  why  dost  thou  go 
about  to  destroy  this  people's  belief  in  God;  and  their 
hope  in  the  Messiah  which  is  to  come? 

KORIHOR.  To  undeceive  them;  to  free  them  from  a 
grovelling  superstition,  lest  they  offend  this  traditionary 
God,  a  being  who  never  has  been  seen,  nor  ever  will  be. 
I  wish  to  strike  off  the  servile  chains  with  which  ye 
priests  have  loaded  them,  that  ye  may  glut  yourselves 
with  the  labors  of  their  hands,  and  hold  them  at  your 
mercy. 

(OMNES  (murmurs  of  approval  and  disapproval  quite  apparent 
and  -well  defined  as  to  sides  taken.  CORIANTON  unable  to  restrain 
himself  longer,  draws  his  sword  and  rushes  at  KORIHOB.) 

CORIANTON.  This  to  my  father.  (Recovering-  himself.) 
Nay,  nay,  he  is  unarmed — Korihor,  beware!  He  is  my 
father.  ( Is  pacified  by  friend. ) 

KORIHOR.  (His  back  to  CORIANTON,  does  not  see  his  action ; 
continues  after  murmurs  of  OMNES  subside.}  I  would  see  men 
free! 

ALMA.    What  man  among  this  people  is  not  free? 

KORIHOR.  I  would  tell  them  that  intelligent  manage 
ment  is  Providence;  genius  is  God;  that  this  life  so  far 
as  we  know  terminates  existence. 

ALMA.  Destroy  our  hope  beyond  the  grave,  and  what 
is  life? 

KORIHOR.  Conjecture  not  the  whence  or  whither; 
enough  to  know  ye  are. 

ALMA.  In  every  heart  is  found  the  question:  "What 
the  great  first  cause?" 

KORIHOR  (sneeringly).  And  that  excuse  for  priestly 
gain. 

(CORIANTON  nervous,  excited  yet  suppressed.  Sighs.  Friends 
surround  him  to  pacify  him. ) 

KORIHOR.  I  tell  thee,  proud  Priest,  now  playing  at 
humanity,  thy  religion  is  slavery;  thy  Priesthood  a 
fraud;  thy  God  a  lie. 

(OMNES  surprised  at  his  boldness;  some  ready  to  come  to  blows 
as  to  sides.} 

ALMA.  Could  a  deception,  a  lie,  produce  such  supreme 
joy  in  the  hearts  of  men  as  the  faith  of  this  people  in 
God  does? 


18  CORIANTON. 

KORIHOR  (sharply}.  Yea,  it  could.  The  joy  this  people 
think  they  have  is  not  joy.  Man  never  tastes  joy  until 
he  breaks  away  from  all  restraint. 

ALMA  (rising  and  coining  doivn    by  Altar  of  justice}.      'Tis  a 

lying  spirit  prompts  thee,  Korihor.  Thy  statement  is 
false  that  the  priests  glut  themselves  on  the  labors  of 
the  people.  From  the  commencement  of  the  reign  of  the 
Judges  until  now,  1  have  labored  with  mine  own  hands 
for  my  support;  and  have  never  received  one  onti 
in  my  Priestly  calling,  Korihor,  thou  mockest  at  relig 
ion;  thpu  deniest  a  God;  but  I  tell  thee  there  is  a  God; 
and  wilt  thou  deny  His  existence,  or  blaspheme  His 
name? 

KORIHOR.  Ay,  that  I  will.  What,  thinkst  thou  be 
cause  a  High  Priest  says  in  solemn  tones — (in  mockery] 
"I  tell  thee  there  is  a  God,"  that  I  will  crouch  at  his  feet 
and  like  an  echo  say — "Amen!"  Give  me  thy  proofs,  sir 
Priest;  thy  proofs. 

ALMA.  All  nature  testifies  of  his  existence;  the  tradi 
tions  of  our  fathers 

KORIHOR  (sneering}.  "The  traditions  of  our  fathers." 
I  demand  a  living  sign;  and  thou  talkest  to  me  of  tradi 
tions. 

ALMA.  The  testimony  of  our  fathers  from  the  begin 
ning  as  recorded  on  the  brass  plates  procured  from 
Laban  at  Jerusalem. 

KORIHOR  (sneeringly} .  And  what  these  plates  from 
Laban  had? 

ALMA.  A  record  of  the  Jews.  They  have  written;  we 
are  writing,  too;  identical  in  law— ours  but  another 
witness.  All  nature  proclaims  a  creator.  Ne'er  yet 
hath  lived  a  people  without  a  God  to  worship;  a  sacred 
Instinct  prompts  it,  yet  there  stands  a  man  who  de 
nies  there  is  proof. 

KORIHOR.  And  maintains  it  too.  Show  me  thy  proof; 
a  living  sign.  Let  me  see  a  manifestation.  Show  me  a 
sign. 

ALMA.  A  sign?  A  miracle?  O,  fool,  thou  temptst 
God.  Should  all  his  creatures  ask  a  sign,  variety  would 
groan  for  mercy.  Look  on  the  signs  for  landmarks 
given,  written  in  the  Scriptures. 

KORIHOR  (triumphant}  Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  yea  quibble 
Priest;  the  test  hath  come. 

CORIANTOX.  Korihor,  cease  thy  blasphemj7.  (About, 
excited  rage. } 

KORIHOR.  These  people  go  about  bound  down  with 
yokes  about  their  necks  and  dare  not  assert  their  rights 
for  liberty  and  freedom;  for  no  man  can  know  that 
which  is  to  come.  Priest  thou  dost  falsify. 

CORIANTON.  Korihor,  cease  thine  insults  to  my  father! 
Another  insult  to  him  and  I  lay  thee  dead  at  my  feet. 

KORIHOR.  Has  the  noble  Corianton  turned  to  God 
and  religion? 


CORIAXTON.  19 

CORIANTON,  It  is  not  God,  it  is  not  religion;  it  is  love 
for  my  father. 

KORIHOR.     Thou  art  thy  father's  son  I  see 

CORIANTON.     I  am.  my  father's  son. 

KORIHOR.  So  be  it.  Let  the  Priest  show  his  power. 
(To  ALMA).  Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  where  all  thy  boasted 
power  to  call  the  Gods  for  thy  command?  Ha,  ha,  ha, 
ha,  make  me  a  sign,  a  landmark  bold,  to  write  it  in  thy 
Scriptures! 

CORIANTON.  Korihor!  And  this  the  man  I  have  be 
lieved! 

KORIHOR  (walks  floor  in  triumph;  derisive  laughter  and 
blasphemy}.  Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha.  (Rushes  up  steps;  stops 
directly  in  front  of  Alma— quick  intense  climax.}  I  defy 
thee,  Priest!  (Shakes  both  fists  in  ALMA's/ace.) 

ALMA  (extending  hands  heavenward),  Vengence  be- 
longeth  to  God! 

KORIHOR.    I  defy  thee!    I  defy  thy  G ! 

(CORIANTON  fights  his  way  through  mob  and  about  to  at 
tack  KORIHOR.) 

(Miracle — KORIHOR  stricken  dumb.  All  quickly  and  convinc 
ingly  done .  A  might y  rushing  wind  outside;  all  becomes  dark . 
Heavy  clap  of  thunder — storm  has  been  gathering  strength  'with 
scene ;  a  streak  of  lightning  bursts  from  Heaven,  Falls  on  KORI- 
HOR  alone — light  remains,  KORIHOR  only  one  on  stage  seen;  falls 
to  floor  in  circle  of  light,  rolls  down  steps.  Expressions  of  sur 
prise,  Bonder,  etc.;  efforts  at  speech.  Mighty  contortions  of  fea 
tures;  pleading  attitude  to  the  Priest,  who  is  invisible.  Signify 
by  bus.  that  he  is  dumb. ) 

ALMA  (extends  his  hand  within  circle  of  light — hand  marked  by 
noticeable  jewel  that  it  will  be  recognized.} 

THY  SIGN  HATH  COME! 

THY  GOD  HATH  ANSWERED  THEE! 

(Collapse  of  KORIHOR.) 

(CORIANTON  in  Picture— Conversion.} 

PICTURE. 

(Nothing  seen  on  stage  but  CORIANTON,  KORIHOR,  and  the 
hand  and  face  of  the  HIGH  PRIEST.) 
CORIANTON.    Father,  let  me  join  the  mission  ! 
CURTAIN. 

[NOTE. — This  climax  must  be  worked  in  a  way  that 
will  give  it  varied  interpretations,  e.  g. :  Corianton  ac 
cepted  it  as  a,  new  wrought  miracle;  Seantum  later  called 
it  "lightning  struck."  Zoan  termed  it  "by  sorcery 
stricken  dumb."] 

END   OF   ACT   I. 


20  CORIANTON, 


ACT   II. 

SCENE  I.-»-BEFORE  SEANTUM'S  PALACE. 

(At  rise  of  curtain  enter  from  R.  IE.,  LAMAN  and  SEAX-) 
TUM.  Hymn  off  R.  at  rise — distant.} 

LAMAN.  I  tell  thee  Sean  turn,  thou  must  act;  or  I,  as 
second  ruler,  shall.  The  High  Priest  Alma,  his  son,  Cor- 
ianton,  and  other  Priests,  direct  from  Zarahemla,  are 
now  canvassing  our  city. 

SEANTUM.  Trust  me  for  action  now  the  time  is  ripe. 
'Tis  strange  that  in  a  fortnight  they  should  work  such 
havoc  with  our  cause. 

LAMAN.  The  common  people  go  over  in  force.  The 
gifted  young  Corianton  seems  to  be  most  expert  in  argu 
ment. 

SEANTUM  (ridiculing}.  Bold  Korihor,  by  lightning- 
struck,  the  miracle  which  won  him  to  the  faith  (Laughs.} 
But  mark  my  words — the  moon  shall  not  show  its  face 
again,  until  these  prophets  leave  Antionum  in  disgrace. 

LAMAN.     How  sayst  thou? 

SEANTUM.  This  young  and  new  made  Prophet  is  a 
guest  with  me;  and  I  am  thought  to  lend  attentive  ear 
unto  his  claim. 

LAMAN.    Thou?    (Both  laugh.} 

SEANTUM.  He  is  young,  dashing,  ambitious,  and 
handsome — all  our  ladies  say — My  plan  is:  Lead  him  to 
a  conquest  of  a  merry  mood. 

LAMAN.     Ah,  but  he  is  so  keen  to  do  his  father's  will — 

SEANTUM.  True,  but  my  net  is  well  laid  to  catch  this 
wary  game.  (To  LAMAN,  subdued!.}  This  day  arrived 
from  Siron,  at  my  request,  my  Isabel  of  gentle  grace  and 
lovely  form;  with  step  so  light;  with  cunning  smile  and 
pretty  face.  To  him  she  is  Zoan,  my  kinswoman,  so 
to  be. 

LAMAN.     Kinswoman?    Zoan  Ze  Isabel?    (They  laugh.} 

SEANTUM.  If  she  can  trap  his  guarded  foot  and  toll 
him  into  gayety  this  night;  the  rumor  spread;  enlarged 
upon;  his  name  linked  twain  with  Isabel;  how  easy  is 
our  task  in  hand. 

LAMAN.  An  artful  plan  well  laid  it  is,  and  worthy  of 
thyself.  The  plan  must  work.  Thou'lt  see  it  through. 
(Soberly.)  Their  work  must  stop  and  shortly;  else  how 
will  our  coffers  be  replenished? 

SKANTUM.    Come  in,  come  in,  the  hour  is  near;  and  our 


CORIANTON.  21 

criers  must  instructed  be  in  case  we  \Vin;  and   win   we 
must. 

(SEANTUM  and  LAMAN  rise  and  exit  L.  Enters  ZoAN/rom 
house;  extends  hands  to  SEANTUM  in  greeting— gushing.} 

ZOAX  (corning  down  and  extending  hands}.  How  now, 
Seantum,  great  in  Antlonum.  Thine  Isabel  hath  come, 
faithful  to  her  pledge. 

SEANTUM  (receiving  her}.  My  dear  Zoan,  my  charming 
Isabel  (greets  her). 

ZOAN.     I  greet  thee,  Laman  (extends  hand). 

SEANTUM  (to  LAMAN).  Keep  Watch,  and  warn  me  of 
approach.  (Exit  LAMAN.)  I  knew  mine  Isabel  would 
come. 

ZOAN.  Thy  promised  adventure  inclined  my  desire; 
thy  promised  gold  declared  me. 

SEANTUM.     Hadst  thou  not  love  to  reckon  too? 

ZOAN.  Love,  Seantum?  And  Why  not?  Bethink  the 
power  of  his  gold. 

SEANTUM.  Gold  in  plenty  shall  be  thine  if  thy  task  be 
well  accomplished. 

ZOAN.    And  what  my  task? 

SEANTUM.  Summon  all  thy  cunning  to  blast  a  dan 
gerous  Nephite  mission.  Our  priests  have  failed  by  ar 
gument,  now  use  intrigue— thou  shalt  beguile  a  prophet. 

ZOAN.  A  prophet?  ha,  ha,  ha,  rare  novelty,  ha,  ha. 
I've  ruined  sons  of  wealthy  sires,  princes  many,  kings  a 
few;  but  a  prophet,  ha,  ha,  ha.  (Soberly.}  What  sort 
of  a  preacher  is  he?  A  pious,  ugly  old  gray  beard,  I 
vow. 

SEANTUM  (nudges  LAMAN).    Gray  beard,  ha,  ha, 

ZOAN.  With  a  stooped  back,  a  cracked  voice,  a 
shrunken  leg;  one  that  walketh  with  a  staff.  (Mimic 
ivalk.} 

SEANTUM  (nudges  LAMAN).  Ha,  ha,  walketh  with  a 
staff,  ha,  ha.  Zoan  would  flatter  Corianton. 

ZOAN  (affected}.  Corianton?  Corianton!  That  name 
is  far  more  prince  than  patriarch.  Corianton!  a  pretty 
name.  (Rousing— breaking  the  spsll.)  Oh,  I  shall  ruin 
Corianton  too.  (To  SEANTUM)  Thy  plot,  thy  plan; 
come,  I  am  eager  for  the  fray. 

SEANTUM  (earnestly).    Thou'lt  not  fail -? 

ZOAN,  Fail!  Hath  Isabel  ejer  yet  failed?  Fail!  That 
word  and  Isabel  are  strangers! 

LAMAN  (entering  humbly).    The  Nephite  cometh. 

SEANTUM  (exit  to  steps).  Let  us  depart.  He  entereth 
Eden's  garden 

ZOAN.    A  woman  shall  be  given 

SEANTUM.    But  will  he  touch  the  fruit? 

ZOAN  (on  steps.  Points  SEANTUM).  Yea,  if  the  Serpent 
hath  laid  well  his  plot 

SEANTUM.  Go  in,  go  in,  thou'lt  hear  my  plan  (disap- 
2iearing  into  house} .  Thou  art  to  be  my  kinswoman  in 
the  plot (voice  dies  out}. 


22  CORIANTON. 

(Enter  CORIANTON,  SHIBLON  and  BASTOL,  R.  CORIANTON 
troubled  in  thought.  BASTOL  laughing  gloriously.} 

(Hymn  off  R.  distant — dying.} 

BASTOL.  Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  they  had  the  Rameumptum 
in  the  center  of  the  synagogue;  and  each  would  in  his 
turn  ascend,  as  if  on  road  to  heaven,  ha,  ha,  ha. 

CORIANTON  (Sitting  on  rustic  settee}.  Well,  well,  why 
didst  thou  go  to  such  a  place? 

BASTOL.  'Cause  I'm  a  fool  rough  called;  and  so  must 
learn,  and  yet  become  a  man;  and  say  big  things;  and 
confound  Zoramite  Priests;  (over  to  CORIANTON)  and  have 
the  ladies  love  me  as  thou  art  loved  by  them.  I  tell 
thee,  master,  it  was  rare.  How  they  prayed  in  solemn 
tones. 

SHIBLON.  Come,  Bastol,  cease  thy  prattle;  go  thy 
way. 

BASTOL.  Mayhap  thou'd  hear  a  prayer,  I  learned  it 
all;  for  each  in  turn  did  say  the  self-same  prayer. 
Thou'd  give  a  deal  to  hear;  say  master  that  I  may. 

SHIBLON.  He's  in  no  mood  to  hear  thy  chatter,  fool; 
leave  him  now  with  me. 

BASTOL.  Fool?  A  man  likes  oft  to  call  himself  a  fool; 
but  when  another  does,  his  pride  is  pricked. 

CORIANTON.  Can'st  see  I'm  not  inclined  to  jest  today; 
and  so  begone. 

BASTOL.  Ah  well,  and  pray  for  thee;  for  thou  hast 
lost  civility,  (exit  to  house,  L.) 

SHIBLON.    My  brother,  what  doth  vex  thy  mind? 

CORIANTON.  Shiblou,  hast  thou  ever  given  thought 
how  oft  God's  judgments  seemeth  cruel? 

SHIBLON.  Nay,  Corianton,  pause,  reflect;  pass  not  in 
judgment  on  His  will.  Thou  art  a  chosen  leader,  fore 
ordained  to  mighty  deeds.  (Pause — up  to  CORIANTON  lov 
ingly}.  Brother,  of  what  art  thou  thinking? 

CORIANTON.  I  am  thinking  now — how  good  is  God?  He 
stayed  my  hand  in  murder,  when  I  would  have  smitten 
Korihor.  He  heard  my  prayer;  He  smote  him  for  me. 
This  day  as  I  passed  along  the  street,  intent  upon  our 
mission,  I  beheld  a  poor  haggard  beggar,  asking  alms  of 
passers  by.  He  was  miserably  clad,  and  trembling;  but 
there  was  something  in  that  profile  face  which  lived  in 
my  remembrance.  On  nearing  I  observed  there  was  a 
wildness  about  the  man  occasioned  by  desperate  efforts 
at  speech.  The  form  was  wasted,  the  features  shrunken; 
and  insanity  glared  from  those  wild  eyes.  I  gazed  in  pity 
upon  him;  and  when  he  upturned  that  face  to  mine — My 
God,  'twas  Korihor,  the  Anti-Christ.  He  recognized  his 
false  friend,  and  with  a  piercing  scream,  fled  out  of  ray 
presence;  his  face  toward  me  as  he  fled; — My  God,  that 
look  doth  haunt  me!  At  that  moment  a  band  of  galloping 
horsemen  passed,  and  Korihor  was  trodden  down.  I 
rushed  to  him,  and  raised  his  head;  and  O,  those  cries  of 
agony;  then  a  few  painful  gasps,  and  he  sank  back  into 


CORIANTOX.  23 

my  arms,  limp  and  lifeless.      Yet  this  is   one  of  God's 
judgments. 

SHIBLON.  He  knoweth  best.  The  judgment  on  the 
Anti-Christ  was  natural  and  just;  his  mouth  was  sealed 
in  dumbness  as  becameth  the  offense. 

CORIANTON.  Yet  HE— above  all— could  have  been  gen 
erous  and  pardoned  before  His  justice  turned  to — seem 
ing  cruelty. 

SHIBLON.  Banish  discontent  niy  brother.  A  sign  was 
given  thee  as  asked. 

COKIANTON.  That  seemed  a  miracle  of  cruelty.  I 
crave  another  sign;  be  it  a  miracle  of  mercy. 

SHIBLON  (partial  soliloquy).  'Tis  ever  thus.  Faith 
won  by  miracle  must  be  ever  feasted  thus,  else  doubt  re 
claims  the  convert.  (Up  to  CORIANTON  affectionately.} 
Come,  brother,  let  me  lead  thee  to  our  father.  Could'st 
thou  but  see  his  joy.  His  rapture  thrills  at  thy  success. 

CORIANTON.  Our  mission  prospers  with  the  poor;  but 
the  wise  and  influential  sneer.  Our  mission  must  suc 
ceed.  Be  it  not  so  these  Zoramites  descent  from  the 
Nephite  government;  espouse  the  Lamanites'  old  claim, 
and  another  grievous  war  Is  ours.  The  poor — God  bless 
them— know  the  Shepherd's  voice,  but  we  must  w^in 
their  leaders  too.  Wealth  has  its  honest  hearts  as  well; 
be  mine  the  task  to  find  them. 

SHIBLOX,    Their  ears  are  stopped  to  pious  speech. 

CORIANTOX.  Seantum,  greatest  of  them  all  inclines; 
for  this  I  am  his  guest. 

SHIBLOX.  Pretense,  I  fear.  Come  leave  his  roof.  His 
conversion  is  unholy  and  sinister  of  purpose. 

CORIANTON  restraining  SHIBLOX — wamingly.}  lam  his 
guest  my  brother;  Stay  thine  accusation.  (Seeing  that 
SHIBLOX  offended — to  him — arm  about  him.}  Take  not 
offense  at  thy  brother's  reckless  speech.  (Starts  SHIBLON 
R.)  Go  back  to  father;  comfort  him;  thou  art  a  periect 
son — would  that  I  were  like  thee.  (  Walking  with  SHIB 
LON,  R.)  Go  my  brother;  pray  for  me.  Thou  art  a 
model  to  thy  brother.  (Starts  him  off  R.,  watches  him  a 
spell.}  What  a  boy!  What  a  brother!  (Exit,  to  house,  L.) 

ZOAN  (Enters  from  street,  R.,  carries  flowers  or  other.}  Art 
thou  one  of  the  Nephite  Prophets,  come  to  teach  the 
doctrines  of  the  Nephites  to  the  Zoramites? 

CORIANTON.    Yes. 

ZOAN.    And  is  thy  name  Corianton? 

CORIANTON.     Yes,  I  am  Corianton. 

ZOAN.     Oh,  then  at  last  I  have  found  thee. 

CORIAXTON  (gazing  upon  her  curiously,  yet  in  dignity,  for 
getting  not  that  he  is  a  priest}.  What  meanest,  damsel?  I 
don't  understand. 

ZOAN.    Thou  art  going  into  Seantum's? 

CORIANTOX.    Yes,  that  is  where  I  lodge. 

ZOAN.  I  will  go  with  thee.  (CORIANTON  gazes  rather 
suspiciously  upon  her,  yet  admiringly. } 


24  CORIANTON. 

Oh,  I  forgot,  thou  art  one  of  the  Prophets;  perhaps  a 
solemn  one;  and  my  manners  are  top  bold;  but  Sean  turn 
with  whom  thou  lodgst,  is  a  near  kinsman,  my  mother'^ 
brother.  (Pause.}  Thou  art  not  at  all  curious,  Corian- 
ton.  Thou  hast  not  asked  my  name  or  why  I  am  here. 
Thou  hast  scarce  oped  thy  mouth.  (CORIANTON  smiles.} 
Thou  smilst.  Dost  mean  by  that,  I  have  not  given  thee 
a  chance  to  say  more? 

CORIANTON.  I  would  know  thy  name  fair  one;  and  am 
most  curious  to  know  what  thou  wouldst  with  me. 

ZOAN.  Come,  sir,  sit  thee  down.  (Leads  him  to  rustic 
settee;  they  sit.  ZOAN  drops — purposely— flowers  she  bears, 
CORIANTON  picks  them  up.}  Thou  must  know  then,  sir 
Prophet,  that  I  am  Zoan  of  Siron.  My  father  is  a 
Nephite,  but  met  with  my  mother,  when  taken  captive 
during  a  war  with  thy  people.  The  war  over,  he  re 
mained  in  her  land  a  willing  prisoner,  they  lived  happily 
in  Siron,  till  my  mother  died.  (ZOAN  drops  flowers — tears 
— ivatches  closely  for  effect  upon  CORIANTON.)  My  father 
still  lives  and  has  never  been  entirely  rid  of  the 
traditions  of  the  Nephites.  On  hearing  that  a  party  of 
Nephite  Prophets  were  preaching  in  Antionum,  it  was 
his  wish  that  I  should  come  to  my  kinsman,  Seantum's, 
and  ask  that  thou'd  speak  also  in  Siron. 

CORIANTON.  But  why  comest  thou  to  me?  I  do  not 
lead  our  party.  I  am  youngest  in  it. 

ZOAN.  Ah,  sir  Prophet,  thou  art  more  famous  than 
thou  knowst.  (Rises  and  erodes  R.  During  this  scene, 
ZOAN  must  unwittingly  essay  positions  that  ivill  play  upon 
Corianton.}  It  was  Corianton  we  first  heard  of  in  Siron. 
It  is  he  whose  eloquence  most  baffles  the  Zoramites; 
and  threatens  the  disruption  of  their  Church  Believe 
me,  sir  Prophet,  I  was  charged  bid  thee  come  to 
Siron  by  my  father.  For  all  day  I  have  sought  thee, 
and  now  that  I  have  found  thee  and  delivered  my 

message {Pleads;  both  hands  on  his  arm.}  Wilt  thou 

go  to  Siron? 

CORIANTON.  I  cannot  say  lady,  I  must  first  counsel 
with  mine  associates,  and  if  by  them  it  is  thought  best, 

ZOAN  (Coquet tishly}.  What?  Art  thou  not  free  to 
come  and  go  where  and  when  thou  pleasest?  Art  thou 
in  bondage? 

CORIANTON.  No,  lady,  not  in  bondage,  but  it  is  mete 
I  counsel  with  mine  associates;  and  if 

ZOAN  (tauntingly}.  And  if  they  give  thee  leave,  why 
then,  thou  wilt  go.  (Sighs.}  Ah  me,  that  is  such  liberty 
as  maiden  hath  under  her  father's  control,  I  have  often 
wished  myself  a  man,  that  I  might  have  a  more  ex 
tended  liberty,  but  if  men  cannot  act  independent  of 
control,  it  pleaseth  me  that  I  am  a  woman.  (Sighs.)  I 
fear,  sir  Prophet,  1  shall  never  be  a  convert  to  thy  faith. 

CORIANTON   (takes  her  hands  tenderly}.    Then  I  should 


CORIANTON.  20 

esteem  my  success  in  Siron  of  little  value,  though  I 
gained  the  whole  multitude,  if  I  failed  to  number  one  so 
fair  'mongst  those  who  followed.  (Kisses  her  hand.} 

ZOAN  (modestly  breaks  the  situation}.  Come,  sir,  let  us 
go  in.  Thou  findest  now  thy  tongue.  (Roguishly.}  And 
even  a  Prophet,  I  see,  can  flatter.  (Start  into  house.} 

SEANTUM  (Entering  from  house.  Meets  ZOAN  and  COR- 
IANTON,  SEANTUM  and  ZOAN  pass  significant  look;  takes 
CORIANTON'S  hand).  Returned  home  at  last,  Corianton, 
eh? 

ZOAX.  Yes,  kinsman;  I  found  our  Prophet  as  he  was 
entering  the  house  and  have  detained  him  long  enough 
to  deliver  my  message.  (Poises  to  best  advantage  in 
portal. } 

SEANTUM.  Quite  right  too,  quite  right.  If  thou  hast 
anything  to  do,  do  it;  and  do  it  at  once.  (  To  CORIAN 
TON.)  But  come  sir,  a  fair  company  hath  assembled  to 
make  merry  the  night.  Recreation  will  do  thee  good, 
sir.  (Pats  him  on  the  back.}  Youth  was  made  for  enjoy 
ment;  and  so  cheats  itself,  if  it  makes  not  good  use 
use  of  the  time. 

ZOAN  (roguishly  at  door}.  Ah,  sir  kinsman,  thou  for- 
getest,  this  man  is  an  holy  man,  and  will  account  the 
i-evels  thou  recommendst  as  sinful.  (Mock  sigh.}  Alas! 
alas!  that  youth  should  so  soon  wed  itself  to  the  voca 
tion  of  the  aged.  Besides,  I  warrant  thee,  he  will  tell 
thee  he  must  counsel  with  his  fellow  Prophets  before  he 
dare  stir.  (Tauntingly.}  So  pray,  forbear,  tempt  not 
the  holy  Prophet,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha.  (Exit  laughing  into 
house;  dies  out. } 

SEANTUM.  Ha,  ha,  ha,  by  my  life,  sir,  she  hath  hit  thee 
as  hard  with  her  sarcasm  of  thy  solemnities  as  thy  ridi 
cule  hits  the  weakness  of  our  Zoramitish  faith.  (Pats 
him  on  back.}  But  come  sir,  thou  must  rally.  Thou 
must  let  her  see  thou  hast  spirit,  which  I  know  thou 
hast.  Go  in,  it  will  not  harm  thy  reputation.  Thou'lt 
meet  the  very  ones  to  aid  thy  cause.  Go  in  and  change 
thy  priestly  robes  for  garb  of  less  exacting  conduct. 

CORIANTON.     'Twill  aid  our  cause,  thou  sayst? 

SEANTUM.  Our  kindred  cause,  go  in.  'Twill  be  the 
very  thing  to  help  thy  father's  mission.  Hath  Seantum 
not  advised  thee  well? 

CORIANTON.  Seantum's  friends  are  mighty  and  can 
aid  me  much.  To  win  the  wealthy  too,  is  Corianton's 
purpose. 

SEANTUM.  Thou  canst  lead  them  gently  back— to  thy 
shepherd  father's  fold. 

CORIANTON.  And  that  the  calling  of  a  Priest.  Hath 
pleasure  not  its  honest  hearts? 

SEANTUM.  Thy  mission  more  to  sinners  than  to  saints. 
Let  thy  merry  nature  win  them.  Go  in,  my  Corianton, 
go  (exit  CORIANTON.)  (Inthedark.)  Ay,  Seantum's  friends 
are  mighty  and  will  aid  thee  much — to  ruin  thy  father's 


26  CORIANTOX. 

mission.  Tonight  we  are  to  do  with  revels  what  our 
priests  have  failed  to  do  with  logic.  Wine,  song,  merri 
ment,  will  drive  these  Nephites  out.  (Singing  heard) 
The  revels  have  begun  for  the  Nephite  Prophet's  fall. 
(Exit  into  house.} 

(LIGHTS.  —  Sunsef,  amber  clouds,  gradually  dies  into  moon 
light.  Distant  music.  Zoramite  air  approaching  during 
the  light  effects.  ) 

SCENE  2. 

(  Seant  urn's  Famous  Garden.  Decorated  prof  uscly  for  the  occa 
sion,  out  in  holiday  attire.  Floral  arches,  etc.  All  added  to  natural 
'wealth  of  scene.  A  veritable  jJaphane.  } 

{Seantturi's  Flambeau  Club  —  seated  on  ground;  these  slaves  blo^v 
vari-colored  lights  from  flambeaux:  blue,  green,  red,  -purple  '}  etc., 
etc.  Chorus  of  youth  and  beauty  discovered.  At  change^  all  are 
singing  : 

"•ZORAMITE 


At  close  of  first  stanza  MELEK  signals  bugler  to  blow  call; 
Bugler  b^vs  call  on  horn;  they  begin  second  stanza:  When  be 
gin  there  comes  in  response  to  callt  L.  U.  E.,  the  famous: 

"BLACK  PEARLS." 

(They  dance  through  the  path  L.  u.  E.  "Z^/#a,"rt  gay  Minuet.} 

("  Black  Pearls,"  are    Lamanite   Maidens,  celebrated   dancers; 

highly   ornamented.       Ballet  and  Chorus   continue  together.     At 

close  ballet  exit.     Dancing^,  2.     Chorus  and  all  surround  tables.) 

MELEK  (as  ballet  dance  off.)  Well  done,  thou  dusky 
pearls.  (To  Chorus.}  Well  sung,  fair  ones.  Thou 
wouldst  do  honor  even  to  a  Nephite  occasion. 

HEBRON  (noticeably  affected  by  wine}.  And  is  not  this 
a  Nephite  occasion,  pray? 

OMNES  (laughter,  etc.,  etc.}  Yes.  Is  it  not?  True,  true, 
etc.,  etc. 

MELEK.  We  are  here  to  fell  a  Nephite.  Our  Rame- 
umpton  Priests  go  down  before  the  arguments  of  the 
princely  Corianton  as  combatists  fall  before  the  certain 
steel  of  our  Seantum. 

(SEANTUM  in  charge  of  CORIANTON  is  seen  entering 
L.  u.  E.) 

LYDA  (points  toward  CORIANTON).     Look,  Lealia. 

LEALIA  (at  same  table).    Oh,  how  young! 

MIRIAM  (admiration  now  general}.  Oh,  how  hand 
some! 

SALOME  (rapturously  to  ladies  suggestively  quiet}.  And 
what  a  form! 

LYDA.    Who  is  it? 

(Admiration  now  at  climax.} 

MELEK  (who  has  been  behind  their  table  unseen  by  them). 
Hist,  'tis  the  Nephite  Prophet. 

(CORIANTON  and  SEANTUM  now  down;  ladies  blush,  hang 
their  heads,  look  from  corners  of  their  eyes  at  each  other, 
etc.,  etc. 


CORIAXTOX.  27 

SEANTUM  (now  down  c.  introducing  CORIAXTOX).  This  is 
my  Nephite  prophet  of  whom  thou  hast  heard  me  speak. 
Receive  him  as  my  honored  guest  and  friend. 
(All  rise  and  salute.} 

MELEK.    Come,  let's  pledge  this  acquaintance  in  wine. 
( Haps  for  servants. ) 
OMNES.    Yes,  yes,  a  pledge  of  wine. 
CORIANTON.     Kind  friends,  our  friendship  need  be  none 
the  less,  e'en  tho'  we  pledge  it  not  in  wine. 
OMNES.    Come,  come,  a  pledge  of  wine. 
SEANTUM  (steps  up  to  CORIANTON  aside  like).     'Tis  our 
custom;  and  offends,  if  thou  refuseth. 
CORIANTON.    But,  sir,  my  brethren  — 
SEANTUM.      Will  not  know  of  it;    come.     (To  company 
without  waiting  his  assent. )     Yes,  friends,  we'll  pledge  it 
now  in  wine. 

(Servants  quickly  down  with  wine.) 
OMNES.    Here,  here,  noble  Seantum. 
(Alt  applaud,  ladies  with  fans;  enter  waiters  ivithjugs  of 
ivine  and  metal  goblets;  serve  wine  to  OMNES.      Alt  tips  gob 
lets  and  sings  toast;  all  drain  goblets.) 

SEANTUM.     Tho7  our  friend  is  a  Nephite,  and  reared 
under  traditions  which  we  have  forsaken;  religious  dif 
ferences,   arising  wholly  from    trainings    in    childhood 
should  make  no  difference  in  social  life. 
OMNES.    Nay,  nay,  etc.,  etc. 

HEBRON  (intoxicated).  Let's  bury  the  thoughts  of  all 
such  difference  in  another  bowl  of  wine. 

MELEK.  Splendid  suggestion;  one  worthy  of  Seantum 
himself.  (Raps  for  waiters,  who  stand  by,  quickly.)  More 
wTine  and  a  dance. 

TOAST  DITTT: 

( Bugler  blozvs  call  on  horn^  waiters  serve  -wine  ;  flambeaux  are 
bloivn  throughout^  lights  change  during  entire  gayety — Scene 
blue,  green,  purple,  etc.  etc.  Lively  music  as  the 

"BLACK  PEARLS" 

come  tripping  in  L.  u.  E.  in  preliminary    to   Zoan;  form    in  par 
allel  lines  for  Zoan.       Zoan  dances  in  bet-ween  lines  from  L    u    E 
indulges 'the  "DANCE  OF  DEATH." 

Black  Pearls  dance  jirst  accompaniment  y  Chorus  rear  accompani 
ment.} 

(  The  beguiling  of  CORIANTON.  During  ZOAN  Zip  ISABEL'S 
^Dance  of  Death"  -which  is  contimious  despite  the  dialogue  and 
chorus  ditties  injected  occasionally.  SEANTUM  and  L/AMAN  are 
urging  -wine  upon  CORIANTON.  He  finally  gets  to  drinking  it 
mechanically  while  -watching  ZOAN's  "Dance  of  Death'1'1  so  in 
tently.  ) 

SEANTUM.    Is  she  not  fair,  my  Corianton? 
CORIANTON.    Fair  as  any  Nephite  maiden. 
SEANTUM.    Thou  hast  entranced  her.      Pray  sup   of 
wine  with  me. 

(  They  drink  ivine,  CORIANTON    hating  eyes  for  ZOAN'S  dance 


28  com  AN  TON. 

only .  Chorus  ditty  offerings  ^  occasionally.  ZOAN  directs  all  of 
her  efforts  to^vard  CORIANTON,  her  interest  in  him  flatters  him 
and  he  gives  noticeable  expressions  of  satisfaction  to  SEANTUM  and 
LAMAN.  All  attentive  to  CORIANTON.) 

LAMAN.    Thou  has  won  her  Corianton. 

SEANTUM.  I  told  thee  friends  would  vie  to  win  thine 
approbation.  Come  sup  again  of  wine.  (Drink  again.} 

LAMAN.     And  now  again  with  me.    (Drink  again.} 

CORIANTON  (wine  affecting  him}.  'Tis  a  merry  dance. 
(Slightly  unlimbers  himself  in  step,  as  if  to  join.}  Zoan — a 
queen  of  beauty. 

ZOAN.    This  from  one  so  handsome  and  gallant.    Now 

tllOU  must  SUp  Of  Wine  With  me.  (ZOAN  in  continuous  dance 
— from  the  first — takes  a  goblet  and  dunces  up  to  CuRIANTON 
offering  goblet. ) 

CORIANTON  (wine  quite  affecting  him}.  Which  one  is  mine? 
(Extends  hand  to  take  it. }  '  The  goblet  danceth  too.  (Makes 
two  or  three  efforts  to  grasp  goblet — then  seizes  it.} 

OMNES.      (A  peal  of  mirthful  laughter.} 

CORIANTON.  (About  to  drink ,  the  laughter  recalls  his  position 
— thoughtful  pause — he  thrusts  the  goblet  aside.  SEANTUM  and 
LAMAN  and  others  show  by  expressions,  their  J ear  the  plot  will 
fail.} 

LAMAN.    Will  thy  plot  fail? 

ZOAN  (redoubles  her  efforts  by  the  dance — a  critical  moment.} 
I  vow  our  Nephite  friend  can  dance  as  well  as  I.  (Flings 
her  scarf  towards  CORIANTON  challengingly.}  Come,  my 
Corianton,  prove  it  so.  (Flings  scarf.} 

(ZOAN  sings  refrain  as  she  dances. } 

"Prove  it  so; 

Prove  it  so. 

Let  gallantry  and  beauty  join; 
Join  in  merry  dance." 

(Flings  scarf  challengingly — CORI ANTON  ^looses  all  holds" joins 
tn  the  finale :  and  shares  the  applause  with  ZOAN  ZE  ISABEL. ) 

ZOAN  (In  c.  with  CORIANTON;  twittingly.}  Ah,  my  friend, 
I  scarcely  thought  a  prophet  could  do  so  well. 

CORIANTON  (sighs).    Prophet 

ZOAN  (perceiving  (he  effect  in  thus  recalling  the  past;  or 
his  position).  Thou  didst  well,  I  am  proud  of  thee.  Thou 
must  be  my  companion  for  the  evening. 

SEANTUM  (quickly  bringing  goblets  of  wine,  hands  one  to 
CORIANTON,  one  to  ZOAN).  Bravo,  Corianton,  bravo!  I 
congratulate  thee  on  thy  conquest  of  the  fairest  lady  in 
the  land,  Come,  we  will  ratify  with  a  bowl  of  wine. 

(All  forward  and  back  in  "Toast  Ditty,"  CORIANTON, 
ZOAN  and  SEANTUM  c.  front;  Black  Pearls  immediate  rear', 
Chorus  in  background.  A II  sing 

"LAMANITE  AIR." 

At  close  all  turn  up  stage  to  various  tables.  ZOAN  takes 
CORIANTON  in  charge.  Servant  enters  L.  talks  ivith  SEAN 
TUM.  Other  specialties — such  as  harp,  etc  ,  etc.  Display 
may  be  introduced. ) 


CORIAXTON.  29 

SEANTUM  (dismissing  servant}.  Come,  friends,  the  ban 
quet  is  prepared  in  honor  of  our  new  made  friend;  Cor- 
iantou,  claim  thy  fair  Zoan,  and  grace  the  head  of  our 
procession. 

(CORIANTON  leads  with  ZOAN.  All  file  off  L.  u.  E.  to  ban 
quet.  SEANTUM  ivatches  them  off';  Flambeau  Club  last.) 

SEANTUM  (comes  down  stage  with  triumphant  strut.  Sig 
nals  criers  from  L.  Criers  all  surround  him;  eagerly).  Go 
spread  the  news,  yea  cry  it  instantly— "The  Nephite 
Prophet's  son  doth  revel  gay  with  Isabel.  Shout  it 
high  on  every  street.  Six  onties  is  the  hire. 

CRIERS  (ecstasy).    Six  onties? 

SEANTUM.  Six  onties  each;  anu  six  again  if  direct  this 
night,  these  Prophets  are  expelled — ZEBU,  this  thy  task. 
KnowTst  the  call?  (All  assent.)  Go,  then,  depart  ye  all 
and  shout  with  spirit. 

CRIERS  (six  of  them.  All  exit  R.,  crying):  "Behold  the 
Nephite  Prophet,  come  to  teach  us  holiness;  while  his 
son  makes  merry  the  night  with  Isabel!" 

( Gradually  dies  out,  after  repeating  it  once  or  twice. ) 

SEANTUM  (listens,  pleased  in  ecstasy).  The  Gods,  yea, 
e'en  the  Nephite  Gods,  it  seems,  now  smile  upon  me. 
Oh,  I'll  repay  this  favor,  pay  it  thrice  or  more.  But  give 
me  thy  continued  smile,  and  I'll  be  king  of  Zarahemla. 
(Oayety  and  laughter  off  L.)  Revel  righteous  one. 

(Laughter  and  gayety  again;  all  thro'  scene  intermit 
tently.  ) 

LAMAN  (rushing  in  from  L.  u.  E.)  ome,  Sean  turn,  to 
the  banquet,  look  closely  to  thy  love,  for  she  is  much 
taken  with  this  Nephite. 

SEANTUM.  Taken?  Fie.  My  fair  ZOAN  will  do  her 
duty  well.  Come,  talk  of  what  the  harvest  brings. 

LAMAN.  Too  early  for  a  harvest  counted  when  the 
seeds  have  scarce  took  root. 

SEANTUM.  Then  hear  my  plan  and  aid  me  through. 
(Brings  LAMAN  do wn — undertone.)  Our  criers  have  gone 
forth  to  rouse  the  multitude,  and  Zebu  heads  the  mob 
to  drive  the  prophets  out — drive  them  out  this  very 
night.  (Sneering.)  This  handsome  one  and  eloquent, 
I'll  hold  in  gayety,  till  'tis  certain  all  are  gone. 

LAMAN.  Zoan  can  hold  him  now — (taps  SEANTUM  sig 
nificantly)  beware  he  win  her  not,  and  take  her  with  him. 

SEANTUM  (soberly).  Did  I  think  that,  I'd  slay  him  at 
the  banquet.  (Confidently.)  Bah,  I've  little  thought  of 
that.  Zoan  is  certain  in  the  plot,  but  listen  to  our 
future  course.  (  Undertone. )  Renounce  our  present  alle- 
gience  to  the  Nephite  cause,  and  asseverate  our  indepen 
dence.  Organize  the  countless  warriors  of  these  savage 
Lamanites  with  Zoramitish  captains  who  will  lead 
them  'gainst  the  Nephites. 

LAMAN  (waiving  it  aside  as  disbelieved).  Nay,  Seantum; 
this  hath  too  oft  failed,  to  try  the  plan  again. 

SEANTUM.    Failed  of  course  for  want  of  rightful  com- 


30  CORIANTON. 

bines.  (Up  to  him,  undertone.}  Thou  knowst  of  one 
Gadianton,  his  secret  oath  and  band,  that  flourished  in 
the  Nephite  city— 

LAMAN.    But  he  is  dead,  now  nine  moons  past. 

SEANTTJM.  True,  but  one,  Amuloki,  hath  fallen  heir 
to  this  same  spirit 

LAMAN.    Revived  their  secret  grips  and  signs 

SEANTUM  (nods  assent^.  Ay,  and  boast3  a  mighty  fol 
lowing.  In  league  with  him — all  prearranged — a  foe 
within,  as  well  without,  their  city  is  our  prize. 

LAMAN  (pleased}.  Thou  art  every  inch  a  leader.  (Pats 
him  on  back. } 

SEANTUM.  Give  now  thy  hand  as  pledge  of  aid. 
(Grasp  hands.}  Be  secret  too,  as  well,  if  fortune  frown 
not  for  a  time,  I'll  lead  mine  armies  'gainst  their  walls, 
yea,  I'll  be  king  of  all  the  la.nd.  (Exit  with  LAMAN  L.  1  E. 
Cries  heard— Distant.) 

CORIANTON.  (Outside.}  Nay  Zoan  not  another  goblet. 
(Eater  L.  u.  E.  slightly  affected  by  the  wine. }  1  wonder 
Avhere  Seantum  could  have  hied  himself?  The  banquet, 
brief,  is  o'er,  the  guests  are  all  departing.  (Down,  to  seat.] 
Zoan  hath  bid  me  soft  "Good  night"  and  left  for  slum- 
berland.  Was  ever  mortal  half  so  fair?  (Reflects}  And 
yet,  her  eye  conceals  her  soul,  nor  aught  reveals  as  doth 
the  eye  of  Relia.  (Echoes  the  ivord.}  '-Relia."  (Thinking! y .} 
Shiblon's  Relia.  Nay,  something  whispers — "Thine!" 
My  brain  is  dizzied  by  the  wine.  My  head  begins  to 
whirl  as  did  Zoan  when  she  began  to  dance.  She  looks 
so  young  and  innocent;  so  mischievous  and  gay,  that  I — 
Nay  Corianton  thou  art  the  Nephite  Prophet's  son,  and 
must  follow  his  commandment.  Mine  eyes  are  heavy. 
( Gaps  and  yawns  and  falls  asleep  like. } 

SHIBLON.  Enters  L.  u.  E.  looks  about  for  Corianton,  in 
spects  off  L.  u.  E,  finally  spies  Corianton  down  stage;  down 
to  him  tries  to  wake  him.)  Wake,  brother,  wake,  come, 
leave  this  horrid  place.  (Corianton  dreamily  rouses  slightly 
Shiblon  careful  not  to  rouse  servants. )  Come,  brother,  in 
the  name  of  heaven,  shake  off  this  slumber,  and  come 
with  me  before  it  is  too  late. 

CORIAXTON.  (More  awake  like.)  Why  Shiblon,  what's 
amiss? 

SHIBLON.  Alas,  I  fear  thou  art  amiss,  and  thy  bad 
deeds  are  like  to  bring  trouble  to  us  all. 

CORIANTON.     Why  Shiblon,  what's  the  matter? 

SHIBLON.  Thine  association  with  Isabel  in  this  place  is 
the  talk  of  the  city. 

CORIANTON    (Echoes. )    Isabel? 

SHIBLON.  We  can  no  more  preach  to  the  people.  Why 
on  every  street  they  call  out  to  our  father — "Behold  the 
Nephite  Prophet,  come  to  teach  us  holiness,  while  his 
son  makes  merry  the  night  with  Isabel." 

CORIANTON.     (Echoes.)    Isabel? 

SHIBLON.   The  other  brethren  have  started  to  leave  the 


CORIANTON.  31 

city,  driven  by  the  mob;  but  I  am  come  in  search  of  thee; 
now  come,  my  brother,  come.  (Enthusiasm  makes  him 
forget  need  of  caution  and  he  gets  loud.}  By  a  penitent 
"life  thou  mayest  cancel  this  great  sin.  Thou  art  young, 
not  yet  hardened  in  vice,  I  pray  thee  come. 

CORIANTON.  Shiblon,  I  know  not  Isabel  of  whom  thou 
speakst  and  though  the  revels  of  this  night  are  indis 
creet,  I  am  free  from  the  sin  thou  imputest  unto  me. 

SHIBLON.  God  grant  thou  art,  and  far  be  it  from  me 
to  think  thou  addst  falsehood  to  a  greater  sin  But 
Brother,  the  house  of  Sean  turn,  where  thou  lodgst,  is 
the  worst  den  of  infamy  in  all  Antionum.  And  thou 
wert  seen  this  night,  in  this  very  place,  in  loving  con 
verse  with  Isabel. 

CORIANTON.  Isabel?  I  know  not  nor  have  met  such 
woman.  I  met  here  to  night  with  Zoan,  niece  of  Sean- 
turn,  and  tho'  of  spritely  disposition,  yet  modest;  and  I 
believe  as  pure  as  she  is  fair. 

SHIBLON.  Ah,  Corianton,  in  this  thou  art  cozoned, 
that  woman  is  not  Zoan;  nor  is  she  Seantum's  niece. 

CORIANTON.     Not ? 

SHIBLON.     But  a  celebrated  woman  from  Siron. 

CORIANTOX.     What  sayst? 

SHIBLON.  Thou  hast  fallen  into  the  trap  laid  by  the 
Zoramites  to  destroy  our  mission. 

(SEANTUM  enters  L.  u.  E.  undiscovered,  comes  down  rear 
and  listens. ) 
"  Seantum  is  one  of  the  leaders  of  the  Zoramites 

CORIANTON.     But  is  kindly  towards  our  cause 

SHIBLON.  'Tis  but  pretense.  He  it  is  who  sent  for 
this  cunning  woman,  to  work  thy  ruin;  and  in  that 
hopes  for  the  destruction  of  our  mission.  He  hath  suc 
ceeded  alas,  too  well;  they  have  deceived  thee,  my 
brother. 

(SEANTUM  signals  off  L.  for  body  guard  to  come.} 

As  the  devil  appears  as  an  angel  of  light,  so  this 
woman  assumes  a  virtue  she  possesses  not;  and  in  that 
seeming,  wins  thee  to  destruction;  but  break  this  chain 
and  let  us  flee. 

SEANTUM  (down  L.  with  his  body  guard  which  has  en 
tered  L.)  Take  that  man  and  bind  him.  (Signifies  SHIB- 
LON— guards  hesitate.)  Corianton,  I  have  heard  the  un- 
gratious  words  of  thy  brother  'gainst  my  house  and  my 
kinswoman,  and  I  insist  upon  a  vindication  of  both  be 
fore  the  magistrate  of  our  city.  Hence  I  have  taken 
him;  but  I  mean  him  no  further  mischief.  Justice  to  my 
household  and  to  my  reputation  dictates  the  taking  of 
this  course. 

CORIANTON.  Tho'  the  sentence  fall  upon  my  brother,  I 
say  thy  cause  is  just.  Thou  must  clean  thy  house  of 
slander.  Let  him  retract  before  the  judges;  but  O  let 
not  evil  befall  him,  for  'tis  love  for  me  alone,  hath 
prompted  his  intemperate  speech. 


32  CORIANTON, 

SHIBLON.  Corianton,  I  complain  not  at  my  captivity, 
but  take  my  advice,  if  thou  art  free  from  the  sin  that 
reputation 'puts  on  thee;  lose  no  time  in  leaving  this 
man's  accursed  house.  Trust  not  his  friendship,  for  it  is 
poison.  Believe  not  in  the  pretentious  of  Isabel,  Zoan 
she  is  not.  She  is  one — 

SEANTUM.  Away  with  him  and  stop  his  slanderous 
tongue!  ( Guards  advance  to  lay  rough  hold  on  Shiblon. ) 

CORIANTON.  Nay,  nay.  (He  firmly  stops  them— they 
draw  swords  and  rush  at  him;  CORIANTON,  by  his  sword, 
wrenches  their  swords  from  their  grasp  and  up  stage, 
To  SEANTUM  firmly.)  He  is  my  brother! — Thou  art  but  my 
friend!  He  will  go  without  persuasion.  His  zeal  hath 
unwisely  loosed  his  tongue.  (Arm  about  Shiblon.  My 
brother  will  unsay  this  slander  'gainst  my  friend  Sean- 
turn's  house.  (Starting  SHIBLON  R.)  Go,  brother,  to  the 
Magistrate  it  is  the  law.  Unsay  thy  words;  'tis  but  a 
form. 

SHIBLON.  Brother,  thou  art  blinded  by  thine  infatua 
tion,  but  the  scales  will  fall  from  thine  eyes;  tljou  wilt 
see,  and  thou  wilt  know.  Farewell,  and  whatever  fate 
overtakes  me  remember,  I  suffer  it  out  of  love  for  thee, 
my  brother — 

SEANTUM.  Away  with  him.  (Guards  take  SHIBLON  off 
R.)  My  pledge  to  thee,  my  Corianton,  no  harm  shall 
come  to  Shiblon.  (Exit  L.) 

CORIANTON,  Thy  pledge  is  ample.  Shiblon  will  unsay 
his  accusation. 

(Street  crier  heard  outside — distant.} 

"Behold  the  Nephite  Prophet  come  to  teach  us  holi 
ness,  while  his  son  makes  merry  the  night  with  Isabel, 

BASTOL  (enter  R.  U.  E.  laughing  gloriously  fooVs  cracking 
laugh;  has  been  out  on  the  streets  and  seen 'the  criers,  etc.) 
Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  a  long  nosed  fish  is  easily  caught,  how 
easily  thou  wert  caught,  ha,  ha,  ha.  The  handsome 
Nephite, who  confounded  Priests  galore,  hath  fallen  prey 
before  a  fair,  foul,  fickle  woman,  ha,  ha,  ha. 

CORIANTON.    What  meanst? 

( Cries  heard. ) 

BASTOL'  Dost  hear?  No  sooner  was  the  game  made 
sure  than  the  criers  earned  their  hire.  "Behold  the 
Nephite  Prophet  come  to  teach  ns  holiness,  while  his 
son  makes  merry  the  night  with  Isabel."  (Near  him, 
tauntingly.)  Oh,  what  a  fool  thou  art. 

CORIANTON.    Silence  fool,  explain  thyself. 

BASTOL.  "Teach  thy  own  son  virtue,"  cries  the  first; 
"the  son's  no  worst  than  the  father,  I'll  warrant," 
chimes  in  the  second;  "say  old  gray  beard,  which  one 
art  to  Isabel  engaged  to-morrow?"  blats  the  third,  ha, 
ha,  ha. 

CORIANTON  (clutching  him  by  the  shoulder).  Stop,  sir; 
I'll  not  be  mocked  in  such  a  way. 

BASTOL   (edging  up  to   side  of    CORIANTON).      That's 


CORIANTON.  33 

right,  come  near,  now  look  thy  best.  ( Tauntingly.  < 
Now  judge  us  which  of  twain  is  fool,  ha,  ha. 

CORIANTON  (catching  him  by  throat}.  Thou  idiot.  Now 
speak  serene,  or  this  moment  is  thy  last. 

BASTOL.  (Frees  himself,  bus.  of  choking.}  Then  let  me 
speak,  don't  hold  my  neck.  (Looks  softlike  at  CORIANTON.) 
Oh,  what  a  fool  thou  art,  Seantum  smiles  aloud,  Zoan 
doth  chuckle.  She'll  dupe  thee  once  again,  I  vow.  The 
conquest's  won;  the  Prophets  stoned.  They  leave  before 
a  jeering  crowd 

CORIANTON.  Dost  speak  the  truth;  or  jesteth  thou? 
Speak.  (Over  him,  fiercely  anxious.}  Answer  thou  in 
haste. 

BASTOL.  (Quietly,  in  contrast.}  My  words  are  truth,  I 
swear  to  thee — true  as  Bastol's  lies,  ha,  ha,  ha. 

CORIANTON.  Begone,  begone,  and  seek  them  then. 
(Throws  BASTOL  upstage,  BASTOL  falls  in  a  heap;  remains 
perfectly  motionless. )  Can  this  be  true?  'Twas  just  as 
Shiblon  told.  Could  ought  so  beautiful  and  fair  be  other 
than  pure  and  good?  I'll  not  believe  until  I  know.  If 
then  she  indeed  be  false,  and  hath  betrayed  me,  God  pity 
her;  for  she  hath  need  of  pity.  (Rushes  ojfn.  2  E.) 

BASTOL.  (On ground,  same  position  into  which  he  has 
fallen.  Sings.  Who'll  take  me  now? 

My  master  is  dethroned  outright, 

Who'll  take  me  now? 
I'm  surely  in  a  plight. 

(Speaks}  When  Satan  fishes  for  great  men,  his  hook,  he 
oft  times  baits  with  woman's  beauty.  This  time  he's 
landed  well  his  prey.  An  easy  thing  to  land  another 
quite  as  great,  if  he'll  but  drop  a  hook  with  my  silent 
tongued,  my  dark  complexioned  damsel  baited.  (Enter 
MANITAH  L.  2  E.  with  brush  etc.  MANATAH  is  ZOAN'S  maid 
— black  Lamanite.  MANATAH  speaks  quickly  but  occasionly  balks 
on  -words.  When  the  "£«/£"  comes,  BASTOL  drops  his  lower  jaw 
in  sympathetic  -waiting.  She  has  jug  of  oil  and  brush  to  dress 
ZOAN'S  hair.  Going  to  summer  house.}  Hey,  dey;  hey,  dey, 
and  who  art  thou? 

MANITAH  (stutters}.    Man— e— t — t — tah. 

BASTOL  (works  bus.  of  mimicing  her}.  Man-e-tah.  (Re 
flects  over  name.)  Eat  a\man.  (MANITAH  looks  fiercely, 
Yes.  Whitherward? 

MANITAH.    T — t — t 

BASTOL  (mimicing}.  T— t— t .  (Nods  his  head  to 
ward  house.}  A  lady's  maid  thou  art,  as  told  by  thy 
robe,  but  who  thy  mistress,  pray? 

MANITAH.     My  business,  s — s — sir. 

BASTOL.  Thy  business,  true;  but  I  would  make  it 
mine.  (Surveys  her  searchingly.  Speaks  to  himself  like.") 
Dark,  yea,  very  dark;  raven  hair,  form  not  tall,  nor 
short  and  bunty  she,  eyes  like  beedles,  silent  too  her 
tongue.  (Joyously.)  Bastol  thou  hast  found  her. 
( Dances  about  in  ecstasy. ) 


34  CORIANTON. 

MANITAH  (sees  ZOAN  coming,  L.)  Sh-h-h-h— my  mistress 
c— comes. 

BASTOL.  I'll  leave  thee  then— I  should  say— now;  but 
I  shall  haunt  thee  often.  (Exit  L.  u.  E.) 

ZOAN  (L.  2,  much  troubled,  crosses  to  summer  house.) 
Come,  my  maid  and  stroke  my  hair.  (  Wears  ivrapper 
like  robe — maid  goes  into  summer  house.} 

SEANTUM  (enters  from  L.  2,  laughing;  ZOAN  stops  at  door 
of  summer  house]  Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  all  is  worked  to  a 
nicety;  the  Prophets  leave  midst  the  jeers  of  the  multi 
tude.  One  is  cast  into  prison  to  answer  slandering  my 
house.  Ha,  ha,  ha. 

ZOAN  (short  with  replies}.  And  an  easy  task  to  find  a 
fitting  answer. 

SEANTUM.  What?  Zoan  affected  by  this  Nephite? 
Ha,  ha,  ha,  what  is  wrong? 

ZOAN.  Nothing  sir,  yet  all  is  wrong.  The  work  is 
done  take  back  the  price;  (flings  sack  of  gold  at  his  feet}; 
and  see  to  it  ye  seek  me  not  again  for  such  a  hellish  mis 
sion. 

SEANTUM.  Zoan  a  moralist?  Repentant?  Ha.,  ha, 
ha,  ha,  a  jest  it  is  indeed. 

ZOAN.  No  jest  at  all  with  me.  Send  the  Nephite  to 
the  ante-chamber;  I'll  meet  him  there,  that  I  may  ask 
forgiveness.  (Burst  of  rage.}  Go!  and  tarry  here  no 
longer! 

SEANTUM.  Ha,  ha,  ha;  thou  art  beside  thyself;  but 
then  I'll  go  and  send  thee  now  the  Prophet;  and  end 
in  comedy  this  romance.  (Goings.}  Zoau  Ze  Isabel,  a 
moralist,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha.  (Exit  L.  2  E.) 

ZOAN  (going  to  summer  house] .  Come  maid,  prepare 
my  hair.  ( Goes  inside;  lets  hair  down. } 

LAMAN.  (Sneering.  Voice  outside.}  Ah-h-h-h!  There 
goes  the  Prophet,  ha,  ha,  ha. 

OMNES.  Stone  him!  Stone  him!  (Street  criers  and 
jeers  heard  intermittently  till  curtain.  Mob  heard  driving 
ALMA  and  missionaries  out } 

CORIANTON.  (Outside — coming.}  Where  is  she?  Where 
is  she?  (Rushes  in  from  R.  2  in  rage.}  Where  is  the  false 
Zoan?  Zoan  Ze  Isabel? 

ZOAN.  {Rushes  out  of  summer  house;  hair  streaming  in 
the  moonlight.}  Methinks  this  entrance  somewhat  rude 
and  unannounced,  bold  Nephite.  At  least,  I  should  have 
thought  a  Prophet  would  have  had  respect  for  a  maiden's 
privacy. 

CORIANTON.  (Furious.)  Ay,  no  doubt  he  would.  All 
men  woulu  respect  a  maiden's  privacy.  The  most  licen 
tious  wretch  would  tremble,  did  he  invade  its  hallowred 
precinct;  but  who  respects  the  privacy  of  a  wanton? 

ZOAN,     Wanton?    What  meanst  thou? 

CORIANTON.  (Rage  increasing.}  Mean?  Mean?  I  mean 
that  the  mask  behind  which  thou  hast  hid  as  Zoan  is 
snatched  away.  I  mean  that  thou  art  base  and  vile. 


CORlANTON.  35 

{Almost  frantic  with  rage.}  That  the  sweet  tones  of  thy 
voice,  that  arch  smile;  that  angel  form,  are  but  the 
blandishments  of  Hell,  to  decoy  men  on  to  ruin.  (Jeers 
outside.)  Dost  hear  those  taunts  and  jeers?  Thou  it  is 
that  caused  them.  (Jeers.}  Dost  hear  them?  This  thy 
work!  ( Unable  to  control  his  rage  longer  he  grasps  her  by 
the  throat  and  flings  her  across  his  bended  knee.  (O,  thou 
fiend.  (Her  upturned  face  melts  him;  he  relents  and  lifts 
her  up.}  No,  no,  I  will  not  kill  thee.  I  meant  not  to 
harm  thee.  Pardon  me.  (Sighs  and  walks  x  to  L.)  O 
my  God!  why  is  this  woman  so  fair  and  yet  so  foul,  that 
heated  rage  is  cooled;  and  man's  purposed  revenge  weeps 
itself  to  softness?  (Agony  of  soul.)  Oh,  how  they  stared 
at  me — "There  he  goes."  "There  he  goes,"  they  cried; 
my  God,  what  will  1  do?  (Sits  and  weeps  L,.) 

ZOAN  (crosses,  sinks  beside  him;  softly}.  Corianton,  hast 
thou  done  well  in  this  proceeding?  What  have  I  done 
to  merit  such  harsh  treatment?  How  deserved  it? 

CORIANTON  (turns  fiercely).  What  hast  thou  done? 
Thou  earnest  to  me  with  a  lie  on  thy  lips,  deceit  in  thy 
heart;  and  under  the  guise  of  innocence,  purity  and 
goodness,  sought  to  encompass  my  ruin.  (Rises,  an 
guish.)  Well,  madam,  have  thy  plans  carried!  (Crosses 
ton.)  I  am  undone;  ruined.  I  can  never  more  return  to 
my  people.  To  them  I  am  infamous,  an  outcast.  (Sinks 
and  weeps,  R.  ) 

ZOAN  (ZOAN'S  apology— follows  him).  But  may  there 
not  be  some  extenuating  circumstances  to  free  me  from 
the  harsh  judgment  thou  passest  upon  me?  Trained 
from  my  childhood  to  hate  thy  people;  and  taught  that 
all  means  were  proper  that  would  lead  to  their  destruc 
tion;  is  it  any  wonder  I  undertook  the  part  assigned  me 
in  the  scheme?  But  Corianton;  (beside  him;  he  draws 
away  from  her)  the  moment  I  saw  thee,  so  noble  in  bear 
ing,  so  young;  I  shrank  from  the  wicked  plot.  But 
what  was  I  to  do?  Had  I  told  thee  the  truth — that  I 
was  Isabel — the  infamy  of  that  name  would  have 
steeled  thy  heart  against  me.  Thou  wouldst  have 
driven  me  from  thee  as  an  unclean  thing.  (At  his  feet; 
shrinks  from  touch. )  Thy  presence;  the  nobility  which 
looked  from  thine  eyes,  inspired  me  with  a  longing  I  had 
never  known  before — a  desire  for  purity,  goodness, 
virtue.  Unclean  as  I  am,  hope,  whispered  high  promise 
to  my  woman's  heart: — "Love  will  forgive.*'  "Love 
will  forgive." 

CORIANTON  (echoes).     "Forgive?" 

ZOAN.  "Forgive,"  it  said;  but  alas  it  is  vain  hope.  I 
awake  and  find  it  dust.  (Rises  and  walks  L.)  O,  why  is 
there  so  much  difference  between  man  and  woman?  No 
matter  what  the  past  of  man  may  have  been;  he  hath 
but  to  repent,  and  all  is  forgotten;  but  when  a  woman 
tails,  'tis  never  more  to  rise  or  be  forgiven.  (Breaks 
down  and  weeps,  L.) 


36  CORIANTON. 

Co  WANTON  (her  tears  touch  his  lender  self;  crosses  to  her, 
soothingly).  Nay,  do  not  weep,  Zoan;  if  I  have  fallen,  I 
alone  am  to  blame,  and  I  am  no  coward  to  lay  the 
blame  upon  another.  I  alone  am  guilty,  and  will  bear 
alone  the  burthen  of  Heaven's  displeasure. 

ZOAN.  Corianton,  come  with  me — go  with  me  to 
Siron.  If  thou  hast  become  an  outcast  from  thy  peo 
ple,  and  that  through  me;  I  will  become  an  outcast,  and 
foresake  my  friends  for  thee.  (Hopefully.)  Then  hand 
in  hand,  we  will  seek  our  newer,  better  fortune.  (Sighsl) 
But  men  are  changeable  in  their  love;  and  when  time 
and  care  steal  beauty  from  my  cheeks,  thine  eyes  will 
wander,  (To  him.)  80  swear  to  be  true  to  me,  Corian 
ton;  swear  it.  ( Hangs  on  his  neck  pleadingly. ) 

CORIANTON.  Swear  to  be  true  to  thee?  I,  son  of 
Prophet  Alma,  true  to  thee,  a  wanton?  (Throws  her  off.} 
Not  so;  not  I.  This  night  hath  ostracised  me  from  my 
native  land.  I  am  a  wanderer,  self-exiled  by  my 
shame 

ZOAN.  O  let  me  go  with  tbee  to  share  thy  sorrows, 
soothe  thy  wounds  by  me  inflicted,  I  played  the  siren; 
caused  thy  pains;  now  let  me  be  thy  slave — 

CORIANTON.  I  could  but  deem  thee  false,  e'en  tho'  my 
slave,  because  of  falsehood  once.  Dost  think  I  could  be 
true  to  thee;  content  to  call  thee  wife?  Each  day  I'd 
wring  thy  heart  with  hot  reflections  on  the  past. 

ZOAN.    Nay,  Corianton — 

CORIANTON.  (Crosses  in  anguish.)  Oh,  1  know,  I  know. 
I'd  tell  thee  what  I  might  have  been  but  for  thy  hellish 
mission. 

ZOAN.  (Anguish.)  O  Corianton,  hold  thy  tongue.  Thy 
words  are  faggots  in  my  heart.  My  future  life  is  black 
as  night;  and  thou  couldst  make  it  Heaven.  (Kneels 
and  pleads.)  O  be  my  Lord  and  Savior,  pray? 

CORIANTON.     (Echoes.)     "Savior.,' 

ZOAN.    And  I  shall  bless  thee  ever. 

CORIANTON.  Her  savior.  (He  turns  half  wavering  from 
her.) 

ZOAN.  Thou  turnst  away?  Thou  spurnst  my  prayer? 
Then  in  thy  mercy  kill  me.  (Draws  dagger.)  This  dag 
ger  is  my  friend.  Pray  strike  it  to  my  heart-  (Proffers 
dagger  to  CORIANTON.  ) 

CORIANTON.    Nay,  nay,  Zoan  I 

ZOAN.  Strike,  strike,  my  love;  'twas  I  that  caused  thy 
pains.  (Holds  it  to  him.) 

CORIANTON.  (Nervously.)  Not  strike  Zoan;  for  I  for 
give;  I 

ZOAN.  What!  thou  wilt  not?  Then  1  will  do  it  for  thee. 
(Raises  dagger;  is  about  to  plunge  it  into  her  own  heart  when 
he  seizes  her  by  the  wrist.) 

CORIANTON.  Zoan! — thou  dost  love  me  so?  (He  slowly 
takes  the  dagger  from  her.) 


CO  RIANT  OX.  3? 

ZOAX.     (Pleads.}    Now  wilt  thou  do  it  for  me? 

CORIAXTOX.  Not  strike,  Zoan;  I — I'll  go  with  thee  to 
Siron. 

ZOAX  (in  ecstasy}.  Thou  wilt?  (Arms  about  his  neck.} 
My  noble  prince!  My  savior  too! 

PICTURE.— CURTAIN. 


8S  COBIAXTOX. 


ACT    III. 

SCENE— ZOAN'S  PALACE  AT  SIRON. 


Very  rich  and  brilliant  interior.  Aztec  arch  o.,  stairs  leading- 
np  to  exit  c.  Candelabra  R.  and  L.  also  R.  and  L.  flat.  Tablet, 
decorated  with  vases  R.  and  L.  Couch  c.  Curules  appropriately 
arranged.  Animal  rugs  in  evidence.  Antlers  or  the  like  on 
'walls.  Aztec  sculpture  -work  represented.  Statuary  R.  and  L. 
Stairway.  Beaded  curtains,  etc..  etc.,  etc.  Coat  of  arms — cross 
swords^  etc. 

(At    rise   of   curtain    MANITAH   seated   on    divan  L.  weaving 
flowers  into  garland.     During  her  -work  may  be  given  an  informal 
specialty  in  hirmony  with  the  general  'atmosphere.} 
"A  FLORAL  CROWN." 

(Enter  RASTOL  down  steps  CM  as  from  other  chamber  of  palace 
merely.} 

BASTOL  (on  steps — coming  down).  What,  wreaths, 
flowers,  garlands  in  these  troublous  times? 

MAmTAH(displays  wreath.)  For  my  new  m — m — master, 
the  handsome  Corianton,  to  be  p — p — prince  of  Zoan'd 
p — p — palace. 

BASTOL.  A  pretty  tribute  and  all  in  haste;  but  thy 
time  for  such  ill  chosen;  this  a  time  to  sharpen  blades. 

MANITAH.     Why  sharpen  weapons,  B — B — Bastol? 

BASTOL  (displeased  at  her  halting  on  his  name}.  Nay, 
nay,  halt  not  on  Bastol's  name.  Why  file  our  swords? 
Why,  Sean  turn's  savage  warriors  collect  in  force  at 
Antionum.  War  is  in  the  air! 

MANITAH.  Mayhap  'tis  not  for  w— w — war,  but  for 
revenge  on  Corian-t-t-ton. 

BASTOL.  And  why  ten  thousand  warriors  to  slay  one 
unarmed  priest? 

MANITAH  (shy  like).  Perchance  'tis  known  that  B— B— 
Bastol  is  b — b — by  his  side. 

BASTOL.  (Ecstasy. )  Thou  art  a  gem  my  hesitating 
maiden.  I  pardon  thee  thy  h-h-halting  speech.  (Proudly 
and  with  extravagant  dignity.)  Yes  Bastol  stands  beside 
his  master;  foresaw  this  trouble;  forestalled  it  too;  and 
all  providence  is  made. 

MANITAH.    And  what  thy  p-p-preparation? 

BASTOL.  A  cumbrous  weapon  I  have  conceived,  of 
curious  workmanship. 


CORIANTON.  39 

MANITAH.     And  where  thy  weapon  p-p-pray? 

BASTOL.  'Tis  well  concealed;  I'll  bring  it  forth.  (Goes 
up  c  takes  from  under  larger  '-'tiger  rug"  before  steps  a  huge 
pair  of  curiously  made  scissors,  two  huge  cross  swords 
riveted  together,  Jive  feet  long,  displays  them  up  stage.)  Mine 
Manitah,  Bastol's  own  conception.  And  look  Manitah; 
see  them  stride.  (Walks  them  down  stage  comically.} 

MANITAH.    Thy  weapon  clumsy  B-B-Bastol. 

BASTOL.  (Looks  upon  her  rebukingly. )  I  warned  thee 
once;  halt  not  my  name  again.  As  I  say,  Manitah,  in 
mercy  I  always  do  it  speedily.  If  death  must  come  why 
make  it  long  in  process  of  completion? 

MANITAH.  Talk  not  of  killing,  Ba-a-stol.  (Slowly,  but 
not  halt  on  "Bastol."  BASTOL  observes  her  closely.) 

BASTOL.  Now  that  was  better,  damsel.  The  time  of 
recent  when  I  slew  the  Shilomite,  he  scarce  did  wriggle 
yet  a  single  wriggle,  but  died  with  a  gracious  smile  and 
boldly  writ  upon  those  dusky,  damask  features.  (Dis 
plays  scissors.)  Ah  yes  Manitah  my  cumbrous  weapon 
of  curious  workmanship,  doth  expedite  in  very  deed. 

MANITAH.  That-Shilomite  servant-was  my-k-k- kins 
man-back  a  stretch.  Thou  art  a  f-f-fool. 

BASTOL.  Fool!  yes,  it  runs  in  the  family  and  some 
have  said  it  caught  me  quite.  'Tis  somewhat  unadorned 
to  be  christened  plain  "fool"  however  I'll  endeavor  to 
swallow  it.  ( Examines  \weapon.) 

MANITAH.     I  could — eat — t-t-thee. 

BASTOL.  (Looks inquiringly  at  her.)  And  when  thou 
dost  a  balance  of  brains  will  be  in  thy  b-b-b-bowels. 
(Slight  bowels — Stutters  on  bowels.) 

MANITAH.     Why  earnest  thou  to  S-S-S-Siron? 

BASTOL.  Thy  silent  tongue  beguiled  me  hither.  My 
master  too,  commanded.  Zoan's  palace  is  e'en  greater 
than  my  master's  and  his  the  pride  of  Zarahemla.  (All 
about  examining  during  speeches. ) 

MANITAH.    Thy  promise— too  was— b-b-b-broken. 

BASTOL.  True,  but  I  can  make  another.  Time  will 
not  allow  my  keeping  many  promises.  I  leap  across  the 
field  of  facts;  seize  a  galloping  idea  by  the  mane;  and  it 
is  m-m-rnine.  •  (Scissors  bus.  kept  in  mind.) 

MANITAH.  I  fear  the  fierce  Seantum  will  come  for  v-v- 
vengeance  any  t-t-t-time. 

BASTOL.  (Extravagant  courage.)  Let  Seantum  come! 
I'll  have  his  head!  (Attitudes  and  works  scissors  invitingly) 

MANITAH.  Thou  art  a  b—b— boaster— merely.  Thy 
words  but  from  thy  m—m— mouth. 

BASTOL.  But  I  am  a  great  comfort  to  myself  and 
pine  not  for  sympathy.  As  for  thee,  my  hesitating  dam 
sel,  thou  canst  scarce  say  b— b—b— boo  to  a  b—b— bird. 
(Back  to  MANITAH.  Mocks  her.) 

MANITAH  (up  in  rage,  tries  to  speak;  exerts  herself  into 
shuffle}.  T— t— t— t— t— B— b— b— b 


40  CORIANTON. 

BASTOL  (shoulders  scissors.  Mimics  her  in  sound  and 
motion;  sort  of  "chicory  shuffle.) 

MANITAH.      W — w — w — w —  B — b — b — b (So  angry 

she  can't  speak;     (Exit  in  rage,  L.  1  E.) 

BASTOL  (suddenly  brings  his  foot  down  with  a  bang  as  she 
exits.  Scissors  down — rests  on  them}.  Now  that  particu 
lar  Lamanite  is  worth  cultivating.  I  never  was  confi 
dent  of  much  influence  at  the  throne;  but  God  is  mer 
ciful  to  stay  her  speech.  The  Prophet  said  all  Lamanites 
who  believed  would  become  white  and  delightsome. 
Well,  Manitah  is  delightsome;  but  when  she  finds  her 
whiteness,  will  she  find  her  speech  and  thereby  lose  her 
present  delightity?  ( Looks  off  L.  )  Ha,  ha,  the  damsel 
is  much  angered.  I'll  still  the  troubled  sea. 
A  SHORT  DITTY. 

(Scissor  pantomime  during  song;  at  exit  shoulder  scissors 
and  off  L.  1. ) 

ZEBU  (outside  c.)  Thy  step  is  halting,  lax,  infirm;  give 
spirit  to  thy  tread.  (Coming  nearer,  appears  c.  with 
SEANTUM'S  bodyguard.}  Thy  sword  work  too  is  crude 
ofttimes.  (Coming  down  c.)  I'll  drill  thee  night  and  day, 
in  street  and  palace  too,  till  thou  hast  found  perfection. 
In  practice  lines  assemble!  (Guard  separates  in  two  col 
umns,  file  front  and  march  down  stage  R.)  Hold,  now  front! 
(  They  face  each  other— columns— ready  for  practice.  ZEBU 
passes  up  stage  betiueen  lines.}  Rebuke  comes  oft  on 
Zebu's  head.  Seantuui  frowns  thy  blunders.  A  body 
guard  must  first  be  trim,  well  trained  for  showy  service. 
It  matters  not  if  ye  can  fight — mere  make  believe  is 
ample.  (Passes  down  stage  between  lines.}  Draw  now 
thy  steel  for  practice  thrust.  (All guard  draw  swords.) 
Thou'll  thrust  and  parry;  slash  and  guard;  as  if  in 
rightful  combat. 

(Music;  ZEBU  fusses  between  lines  up  to  steps,  gives  command 
for 

CUTLASS  DRILL. 

Guard  in  concert  execute  ;  drill  these  ivell^  make  it  a  feature.  AH 
ancient  tactics,  attack  and  defense~~here  exJtibited  in  sham  fight — 
military )  exact  precision^  and  spiritedly. ) 

(SEANTUM  enters  haste  and  rage,  near  finish  of  drill;  stands 
under  arch  c.  ivatching.} 

SEANTUM  (full  armor;  as  ZEBU  sees  him).  A  practice 
combat,  Zebu,  is  it  not?  A  needed  thing;  but  thy  time 
and  place  ill  chosen — a  mansion  for  a  campus?  Assem 
ble  right.  We  are  here  to  carve  a  priest. 

(ZEBU  by  commands  assembles  guard  L.,  with  guard  sa 
lutes  SEANTUM.  )  (  BASTOL  laughing  off  R.) 

SEANTUM.  I  hear  his  armor  bearer;  the  master  is  not 
far. 

BASTOL  (backing  on  stage,  L.  IE.,  laughing;  scissors  on 
shoulder}.  Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  O  blessed  fate  that  tied  thy 
tongue,  to  wag  with  hesitating  cadence.  Ha,  ha,  ha, 


CORIANTON.  41 

she  stamps  her  foot  with  emphasis;  and  shakes  her  curls 
in  fury,  ha.  ha,  ha.  (Backs  against  SEANTUM.) 

SEANTUM  (turns  him  fiercely  about  by  scissors}.  Where 
is  thy  master  fool? 

BASTOL  (surprised  at  seeing  SEANTUM;  brings  scissors  down 
in  rest}.  Few  men  presume  that  title  sir,  and  but  a  tithe 
of  those  who  do  are  well  entitled  to  the  honor. 

SEANTUM.    Vain  wit,  to  waste  on  me. 

BASTOL.  I  see,  thou  canst  appreciate  it  quite;  for  by 
my  weapon  bold,  I've  cast  my  pearls  before  a  swine. 

SEANTUM.  Have  a  care  what  thou  sayest;  or  by  mine 
honor,  thou  shalt  repent  it  sorely. 

BASTOL.  Thine  "honor,"  sayst?  Then  safe  am  I. 
From  honor  thou  art  free. 

SEANTUM  (fiercely).  Thou  fool  wilt  thou  persist? 
Show  me  thy  master.  (Nervously  with  business — showing 
he  does  not  listen  to  BASTOL. ) 

(During  BASTOL'S  speech  ZEBU  stands  mouth  ajar.} 

BASTOL.  My  master?  Ah,  there  was  a  master  once, 
but  not  now.  A  fool  cannot  be  master  to  a  fool.  He 
that  was  my  master  hath  hung  his  mastership  upon  the 
rose  thorn,  like  a  greasy  cap;  and  chaseth  the  butterfly 
of  passion.  And  when  his  foolish  chase  hath  succeeded, 
he  will  find  in  his  fool's  net — but  the  ugly  bug  of  humili 
ation.  Not  so  with  my  Manitah — her  love  for  me  is 
reasoned  well.  Not  by  her  honor,  nor  the  gods;  but  on 
my  wit  she  hangs  her  love. 

SEANTUM.  (In  rage.}  Stop  that  blattant  tongue  and 
send  thy  master  here;  or  by  my  sword,  I'll  dispatch  thee 
as  well. 

BASTOL.  (Aside  like.}  "By  my  sword."  He  hath  that 
thing.  Seantum,  too  can  use  it  well.  'Tis  time  I  should 
depart.  (  To  SEANTUM  with  low  boiv.}  Most  gracious  sir, 
pray  calm  thyself;  I'll  send — her — here — at  once — (Boivs 
backjointedly.} 

SEANTUM.  (  Unable  to  control  his  rage  longer — to  guard.} 
Decapitate  yon  rogue. 

BASTOL,  (Scissors  in  place;  ready  for  action.}  Which 
one?  Which  one?  (  Works  scissors  invitingly. } 

SEANTUM.  Pike  his  hollow  head.  If  I  am  but  to  send 
an  ass,  I'll  go  myself.  (Guard  advance  slightly  indecis 
ively.  } 

BASTOL.  (  Very  quickly.}  Some  look  an  ass;  some  act 
as  one.  Thou'd  better  go  mayhap  for  'twixt  these  twain 
thou'd  personate  it  quite. 

SEANTUM.  (In  fearful  rage.}  Come  Zebu,  try  thy  steel. 
(Zebu  advances,  sword  in  hand;  Bastol  clutches  scissors  on  his 
neck;  Zebu  thrusts;  Bastol  sidesteps — work  up  toward  L.  U.  E. 
Scissors  on  neck — Guards  follow  thrusting  at  Bastol;  Bastol 
avoids  them  by  jumping  sideways — Bastol  and  Guard  work  out  L. 
U.  E.) 

SEANTUM.  {On  couch.}  My  plans  were  well  conceived 
and  better  worked.  Zoan  succeeded;  the  mission  failed, 


42  CORIANTON. 

but  what  the  price  to  me?  (Zoan  enters  L.  U.  E.  Pain  on 
seeing  SEANTUM  instead  of  CORIANTON.  ) 

ZOAN.    Sean turn! 

SEANTUM.  Not  gold  or  wares,  or  earthly  stores;  he 
robbed  my  heart  of  its  idol  crowned;  he  stole  from  me 
mine  Isabel. 

ZOAN.  (Down  to  him — all  smiles.)  Thine  Isabel,  Is  here, 
(Arms  about  his  neck. ) 

SEANTUM.  (  Throwing  her  off.*)  Away,  away  thou  art 
another's  now.  (Rises,  surveys  her — firmly.)  Isabel  pre 
pare  to  die. 

ZOAN.    To  die? 

SEANTUM.    Ay,  die  I  said.    The  deed  is  writ.     Prepare. 

ZoAN.  (Brings  all  her  cunning"  into  play  to  save  her  life.} 
Nay,  nay,  my  dear  Seantum,  thou  art  jesting.  For  years 
I'll  make  thee  happy  yet. 

SEANTUM.  Happy?  Happy  me?  And  with  a  hand 
some  Nephite  in  thy  heart  enthroned?  Thou  dost  not 
know  Seantum  well. 

ZOAN.  Why,  Seantum,  thou  art  foolish.  Canst  see, 
'tis  but  to  carry  out  the  plan;  complete  the  work  as 
signed  to  me  and  make  his  ruin  certain?  Methinks  thou 
dost  not  know  thine  Isabel.  {Roguishly  tivits  him.) 

SEANTUM.  Complete  the  work?  'Twas  done  at  Anti- 
onum.  The  Prophets  left  their  converts  too,  our  church 
established  and  our  coffers  filling  fast.  The  Nephite 
would  have  gone  with  them;  but  thou  forbade  him  by 
thy  love  and  bring  him  here  in  ecstasy  to  adorn  my 
gifted  palace. 

ZOAN.  (Taps  his  lips -with  small  finger.}  Methought  tllOU 
wert  wiser  than  thou  art,  my  dear  beloved  prince.  De- 
niest  thou  thine  Isabel  the  boon  to  toy  with  strangers, 
not  her  blood?  To  learn  their  faults  that  she  might  love 
Seantum  more?  I'll  bid  him  hence  this  day  and  would 
have  done  before  had  opportunity  afforded. 

SEANTUM.    Thou  dost  not  love  him  then? 

ZOAN.  I  could  never  think  of  such  a  thing.  Seantum 
dear,  thou  art  mine  only  love,  thou  knowst  well.  (Arms 
about  his  neck  ) 

SEANTUM.  Thou  dost  love  me  as  before  and  not  this 
Nephite  then? 

ZOAN.  Love  thee  as  before  and  have  but  tried  thy  love; 
to  see  if  jealousy  'tis  fast.  (Hangs  on  /us  neck.) 

SEANTUM.  (Kisses  her.}  My  own  dear  Isabel.  For 
give  me  my  resolve,  my  head  is  bowed  in  shame. 

ZOAN.  ( Anxious1  y,  yet  cleverly.)  Thou'lt  not  slay  the 
Nephite? 

SEANTUM.    That  is  my  resolve 

ZOAN.    Nay  Seantum,  send  him  forth  unto  his  people. 

SEANTUM.  I'll  send  him  forth;  upon  a  bier  unto  his 
people — a  sacrifice  to  High  Priest  Alma. 

ZOAN.     For  my  sake,  spare  him! 

SEANTUM.    For  thy  sake  I  shall  slay  him.    I  leave  thee 


CORIANTON.  43 

now  to  find  my  rival  priest.  ( Starts  L.— about  to  enter 
CORIANTON'S  chamber.} 

ZOAN  (rushes  up— stays  him— all  smiles.}  Nay,  Seantum, 
this  way  to  his  chamber.  This  way  the  garden  too— 
I  think  thou'll  find  him  there. 

SEANTUM  (looks  upon  her  suspiciously,  yields.}  I  must  COl- 
lect  my  scattered  guard. 

ZOAN  (keeps  np  the  deception  until  he  is  far  off — relax.}  Thoil 
foolish,  foolish,  man;  he  believed  mine  every  word.  (Up 
L.  u.,  calls.}  Manitah!  Manitah!  (Enters  MANITAH.) 
Go  to  Corianton,  at  the  House  of  the  Leopard.  Bid  him 
here  at  once.  Haste,  thee,  maid.  (Pushes  her  off.}  Zoan 
must  see  him  straightway;  go!  ( Exit  MANITAH. )  (Comes 
do-ivn  —  -with  a  sigh}  Ah  me,  ah  me;  bid  Corianton 
hence?  The  only  one  that  ever  stirred  my  love 
from  its  unnatural  slumber.  I  am  placed  at  the 
dividing  of  the  waters — Corianton,  handsome  Nephite, 
unadorned  by  wealth,  misfortune's  frown  upon  him. 
But  half  his  heart  is  mine  I  trow — for  e'en  last 
night  when  I  recalled  his  troubled  mind  from  dream 
land;  and  asked  his  thought,  he  answered  while  the 
spell  was  on—  "Of  Relia,  Home  and  Zarahemla." 
Seantum,  rich,  according  to  our  measure;  yet,  'tis  not 
to  be  denied  my  heart,  if  such  there  be  at  all, 
to  Corianton  given.  With  him  I  can  repent,  and  live  a 
purer,  better  life;  yet  uncertain  of  his  love,  and  then 
Seantum's  certain  steel.  (Shudders.}  For  assuredly  he 
did  so  resolve,  and  will  follow  till  avenged.  (Pause— 
thoughtful.}  In  such  a  balance  you  are  placed — (Pause.} 
Corianton,  thou  must  go  and  go  alone.  (Reclines on  couch.} 

SHIBLON  (enter  C-,  all  anxiety — picture — looks  to  his  surround 
ings;  sees  ZOAN;  down  to  her^  suppressed  anxiety}.  Give  me 
back  my  brother! 

ZOAN  (surprised}.     Thy  brother! 

SHIBLON.  My  brother,  Corianton—  (Pleadingly}  Give 
him  back  to  me. 

ZOAN.    Thou  art  Shiblon  then? 

SHIBLON.    His  brother.    Wilt  thou  give  him  back? 

ZOAN.    Thou  wert  into  prison  cast * 

SHIBLOX.  I  was  before  the  magistrate;  no  charge  was 
made;  the  Judge  could  find  no  guile. 

ZOAN.  Thy  brother  said  it  too;  that  thou  wert  free 
from  guile 

SHIBLON.  His  words  were  kind,  however,  far  from 
truth.  'Tis  love  like  his  for  me,  hath  led  me  here  to  find 
him. 

ZOAN.  It  was  a  dearer  love  than  thine  that  led  him 
here  to  Siron. 

SHIBLON.  Love?  Fie,  Isabel.  Thy  love  tho'  'twere  a 
fact  could  never  make  him  happy • 

ZOAN.     How  sayst  thou? 

SHIBLON.    His  heart  is  young,  susceptible,   by  reason, 


44  COKIANTON. 

yet  unbridled.  It  was  thy  beauty,  grace  and  cunning 
which  won  him  from  his  duty. 

ZOAN.  I  love  him— how  I  love  him— he  may  never  know. 
His  heart  ne'er  now  listens  to  mine  anxious  heart's  loud 
call. 

SHIBLON.  If  thou  dost  love  him  so;  send  him  forth 
with  loud  taunts.  That  were  to  test  thy  love 

ZOAN.  (Quickly.}  Shiblon,  if  I  lead  thee  to  thy 
brother;  wilt  thou  take  me  with  him  too? 

SHIBLON.    Thou ? 

ZOAN.  Yes,  take  me  forth;  reclaim  another  soul.  Se- 
antum  now  is  here,  to  slay  thy  brother,  Shiblon. 

SHIBLON.  (Surprised.)  How?  Seantum  here?  He 
swore  an  awful  oath  in  Antionum;  vowed  to  slay  thee 
too.  (Eagerly.}  Lead  me  straightway  to  my  brother, 
that  I  may  take  him  speedily  away. 

ZOAN.  That  I  shall —  ( They  start  up  toward  L.  u.  E. 
Zoan  stops  him,  faces  him  squarely.  Quietly. )  If  thou 
wilt  take  me  with  him. 

SHIBLON.  Take  thee?  It  would  seal  his  doom  and 
thine.  The  multitude  would  stone  him  and  thee  as  well, 
I  fear.  Thou  mayst  add  him  to  thy  list,  but  I  reclaim 
my  brother 

ZOAN.  (Echoes  quickly.}  "Add  him  to  thy  list."  Thy 
speech  is  plain  and  stinging. 

SHIBLON.     We  polish  not  our  speech  for  such  as  thou. 

ZOAN.  Canst  thou  not  see,  thou  dost  but  hurt  thy 
brother's  cause? 

SHIBLON  (pathos).  A  dagger  thro'  his  trusting  heart 
could  not  injure  him  as  thou  hast. 

ZOAN  (angered.)    Beshrew  thy  bold  accusing  tongue — 

SHIBLON.  Thy  pretended  modesty  and  dignity,  ill  be 
come  thy  domicile.  (Boldly.)  I  speak  not  to  Zoau,  but 
Isabel. 

ZOAN  (up  to  him;  subdued  intensity.)  Then  speak  thou 
with  a  guarded  tongue.  Thy  safety  may  demand  it. 

SHIBLON.  My  safety,  fie!  I  have  made  my  peace  with 
God.  (Anxiously  and  boldly.)  Now  tell  me  where  my 
brother  is;  or  I  shall  search  thy  mansion.  (Begins 
search. ) 

ZOAN.  Begin  thy  search,  bold  Nephite;  thy  first  find 
may  be  a  sword.  Thou  hast  defied  me  in  my  palace;  I 
bid  thee  fly  for  safety. 

SHIBLON.  When  Shiblon  goes,  'twill  be  beside  his 
brother,  (Starts  up  stage.)  I  shall  find  him.  I  shall 
search  thine  every  chamber.  (Happy  in  the  thought.)  I 
shall  find  and  save  my  brother.  (Rushes  off  (R.  u.  E.) 

ZOAN  (watches  him  off;  comes  down.)  None  believe  that 
Isabel  can  love.  (Anguish  of  soul.)  O,  repentance, 
where  is  thy  reward?  (Sinks  on  couch.  Meditatingly  ; 
in  undertone.)  Seantum  here  to  slay  him.  (Nervously  in 
thought. )  I'll  save  my  Corianton.  I'll  send  him  forth. 
I'll  buy  his  life  at  cost  of  my  repentance.  '  Send  him 


CO  RIANT  OX.  45 

forth  with  loud  taunts,"  said  Shiblon.  Zoan  shall  do 
it  too. 

BASTOL.  (Enter  L.  U.  E.  dragging  scissors,  intently  inter- 
ested  in  studying  a  tuft  of  hair  he  carries^  leaving  audience  to 
conjecture  whether  it  be  Zebu's  scalp  or  no — speaks  -without  looking 
up.}  Neither  can  I  find.  Mayhap  they're  yet  in  slumber- 
land.  (Sees  Zoan  where  he  left  Seantum,  astonished.  (Zoan 
here?  Seantum  then  is  tricked  this  time.  Zoan  doth 
carry  his  head  as  yet  unsevered,  in  the  hollow  of  her 
cheek.  (Looks  back,  sees  Corianton  coming,  bows.}  I  bow 
to  thee,  and  hie  me  hence.  (Comic  exit  R.  u. ) 

CORIANTON.     (Enters  down  c. — melancholy.}    Zoan. 

ZOAN.  (Aside.}  I  cannot  send  him  forth  hating  me. 
I'll  hold  him  just  a  little  longer. 

CORIANTON.  (Down  beside  her  L,— melancholy.)  How 
fares  it  with  Zoan,  this  morn? 

ZOAN.     When  thou  art  near,  all  seemeth  well. 

CORIANTON.  Thou  didst  send  for  me,  Zoan?  (Takes 
her  head — about  to  kiss  her;  refrains,  aside  as  walks  R.  shak 
ing  head.)  I  cannot.  I  cannot.  Sooth,  a  self-inspired 
pride  bids  me  not  defile  my  person.  (Surveys  luxuries  of 
palace — negatively.  Sits  on  divan  R.  ) 

ZOAN.  (following  him  )  My  Corianton  thou  art  not 
thy  former  self.  Thy  mind  is  troubled  oft.  Thou  dost 
not  love  me  well.  Why  dost  thou  turn  away  and  mur 
mur — "1  cannot.  I  cannot?"  (Beside  him  R.)  Come,  be 
thy  bright  and  happy  self  thou  wast  when  first  I  saw 
thee. 

CORIANTON.  (Full  of  melancholy.)  When  thou  first 
saw  my  wretched  self  I  was  another  man.  I  was  the 
son  of  righteous  Alma — was  the  pride  of  Zarahemla. 
Fair  Nephite  maidens  paid  me  court,  my  brother  Shiblon 
loved  me 

ZOAN.     (Whispers.)    Shiblon.     Where  is ? 

CORIANTON.  (Not  observing  her. )  My  father  took  me 
forth  with  him  to  sound  the  Gospel  Trump.  A  fortnight 
'passed  triumphantly — success  quite  turned  my  head;  and 
I  despite  my  father's  frown, obeyed  my  self-sufficient  will; 
I  went  to  dwell  with  one  Seantum.  He  feigned  to  relish 
all  I  said,  himself  converted  to  the  faith;  and  all  that 
time  he —  (Rises  and  x.  L.)  Oh  well;  'tis  past  and  here  I 
am 

ZOAN.  (Following  him  L.)  I  try  to  win  thy  love,  to 
read  thy  wishes  in  thy  face. 

CORIANTON.  (Abstractedly.)  Father,  brother,  friends 
all  gone;  my  reputation  spotted;  my  name  derisively 
pronounced  by  every  urchin  in  the  land. 

ZOAN.  Thy  character  is  yet  unsullied;  what  then  is 
reputation? 

CORIANTON.  What  then  is  reputation?  It  is  the  very 
essence  of  one's  life. 

ZOAN.    Pshaw!    Why  fear  the  coarse  opinion   of    the 


46  CORIANTON. 

mob?    To-day  'tis  censure;  but  do  some  brave,   heroic 
deed  and  they  worship  at  thy  shrine  to-morrow. 

CORIANTON.  But  Shiblon;  hast  tidings  of  my  brother 
yet? 

ZOAN.  Shiblon!  My — my  messenger — I  sent — hath  not 
returned. 

CORIANTON.  Then  I  shall  go  myself  and  free  him. 
[Starts.) 

ZOAN.     (Holding  him.}     Oh  no!  no! 

CORIANTON.     My  brother  must  be  free  this  day! 

ZOAN    Yes,  yes,  this  day;  I'll  intercede. 

CORIANTON.  Intercession  hath  been  vain.  I  shall  set 
my  brother  free.  Give  me  a  sword;  I  go  to  Antionum! 

ZOAN  (holding  him).  Thou  shalt  not  go,  my  Corian- 
ton;  it  would  be  thy  death! 

CORIANTON,  And  what  is  life  to  Corianton  now?  Give 
me  a  sword;  or  I  go  unarmed!  (Sees  sword  on  wall  R., 
starts  for  it,  about  to  draw  it  from  coat- of -arms.} 

ZOAN.    Corianton,  hold — thy  brother  Shiblon — is  free. 

CORIANTON.  Shiblon  free!  Thank  God!  Hath  he  gone 
to  Zarahemla? 

ZOAN.    Not  to  Zarahemla — he  is  here. 

CORIANTON.    Here? 

ZOAN.    To  seek  his  brother,  Corianton. 

CORIANTON.  Pray  heaven  he  may  not  find  him.  1 
would  rather  die  than  face  my  brother  here.  Come,  let 
us  fly;  let  us  go  to  a  place  where  neither  of  us  are  known 
and  there  begin  a  newer  better  life,  where  I  may  train 
thy  soul  unfettered. 

ZOAN.    Wilt  thou  swear  eternal  love? 

CORIANTON.  I  can  swear  but  to  be  kind.  When  I 
came  with  thee  to  Siron  I  thought  I  could  be  tempered 
by  necessity;  but  these  luxuries  constantly  remind  me  of 
thy  former  life. 

ZOAN.    And  thou  wouldst  twit  me  thus  again? 

CORIANTON.     When  I   approach  to  love  Zoan,  I  find 
Seantum's  kisses    first;    I  falter    and    withdraw  from. 
Isabel— in  this  her  siren  lair.     Come,  Zoan,  let  us  go  to  a 
land  unknown,  let  us  leave  the  past  in  Siron;  and  I  shall 
try  to  love  thee. 

ZOAN  (anger).  And  thou  wouldst  fling  my  wonted 
repentance  in  my  face.  I  am  fast  becoming  myself  again; 
(fearful  SEANTUM  will  come)  and  see  we  are  not  mated 
to  each  other.  Thou  hadst  better  return  to  thy  people 
with  thy  brother  Shiblon,  fall  down  at  their  feet  and 
seek  their  forgiveness. 

CORIANTON.  And  be  a  living  shame  on  High  Priest 
Alma's  name?  That  door  is  bolted — far  better  fall  upon 
my  sword.  Come,  Zoan,  thou  promised  to  forsake  all 
this  for  me. 

ZOAN.  And  art  thou  so  simple  as  to  believe  a  woman's 
words?  I  was  blinded  by  mine  infatuation  and  half 


CORIANTON.  47 

repentance.  In  thy  love  I  was  Zoan;  but  thy  repeated 
sting  hath  made  me  Isabel  again, 

CORIANTON.  'Tis  but  the  end  I  should  have  seen. 

(Observing  her  intently  }  And  thou !  And  I ! 

spurned;  cast  off;  deceived  again;  despised  for  my  weak 
ness.  O,  dupe!  O,  fool! 

ZOAN,  (Tenderly — haste.)  Nay  Coriauton,  not  despised; 
but  I  take  it  unkindly  thou  should  thus  oft  twit  me  of 
the  past.  Thinkst  thou  for  one  moment,  I  could  forsake 
wealth,  luxury,  and  all;  and  follow  thee,  uncertain  of 
thy  love?  Thou  must  believe  me  as  foolish  as  thyself. 

CORIANTON.  Twice  deceived,  and  by  this  woman. 
Twice  damned  in  shame  for  a  thing  scarce  worth  my 
pity. 

ZOAN.  (Echoes  under  breath,  quickly.}  "Fora  thing 
scarce  worth  my  pity." 

CORIANTON.  (Turns  toward  her.}  Ay,  for  a  thing  scarce 
worth  ray  pity!  And  this  is  the  return  for  my  great  sacri 
fice! 

ZOAN.  Nephite,  our  friend  Korihor  went  to  thy  chief 
city  where,  thro'  sorcery,  he  was  stricken  dumb  and  fled 
from  thy  land  accursed.  That,  thy  people  said,  was  a 
"judgment  of  God,"  a  "manifestation  of  His  power." 
Now  live.  Return  to  thy  people,  the  scorn  and  shame  of 
the  times.  Let  them  know  that  thy  fall  is  a  manifesta 
tion  of  the  power  of  Zoan  Ze  Isabel.  Let  it  be  Corian- 
ton  for  Korihor,  Isabel  against  G— ha,  ha,  ha.  (SEANTUM 
comes.}  This  is  my  love,  my  prince,  my  king  of  men! 
Now  go. 

CORIANTON.  (Sees  SEANTUM — satisfaction.}  Ah!  A  sword! 
Give  me  a  sword!  (Rushes  to  wall  after  one.}  (SEAN 
TUM  signals  his  body  guard;  when  CORIANTON  turns  he  faces 
guard.)  What,  ho!  a  body  guard  doth  dare  dispute  my 
right?  Aside,  I  say,  no  score  and  ten  of  servant  guards 
can  stay  me  in  my  justice.  (Falls  upon  them,  scatters  guards, 
fights  his  ivay  through  to  S^eantum — combat — guard  rallies  and 
charges  Corianton.  He  guards  Seanttim^s  blorv  for  the  head, 
siezes  Seantuni's  throat,  disarms  him,  swings  him  before  guard  as 
a  shield.} 

SEANTUM.  (About to  be  run  through  by  his  own  guard.} 
Ah!  put  up  your  swords! 

SHIBLON.  (Outside  entering.}  Corianton!  Corianton! 
Brother!  (Corianton flings  Seantutn  off.} 

SEANTUM.  Ah,  his  brother.  (Siezev  sword;  meets  Shib- 
lon;  runs  him  through; flings  him  down  stage.}  Go  to  thy 
brother!  (Seantum  flees;  Corianton  flings  sword  after  Sean- 
turn,  cry  of  pain  off.} 

CORIANTON  (laying  him  down;  anxious  scene}.  Shiblou; 
brother,  lift  up  thy  head.  (Raises  his  head.}  My  God, 
don't  stare  so! 

SHIBLON.    Lay  me  down,  brother;  I  am  dying! 

CORIANTON.    Ah  no,  no,  no,   don't  say  that!     Don't 


48  CORIANTON. 

say  it,  Shiblon!  (Lays  him  down  and  anxiously  feels  head, 
heart  and  pulse.  My  God,  he  is  dyingl 

SHIBLON.  Come  to  me!  Come— close— by— my— side! 
Go  back  to  father  —  back  to  her — Relia — home — Zar- 
ahemla!  (Sinks  back  and  dies  in  CORIANTON'S  arms.) 

CORIANTON.  Yes,  j'es,  brother,  I'll  go  back!  I'll  go! 
Shiblon  speak!  Speak  to  me  again!  Say  you  forgive 
me  brother!  (Note. —  This  climax— "CORIANTON'S  JRav- 
ings'"  may  be  condensed  or  otherwise  fitted  to  the  artist. ) 

(Horror  when  discovers  SHIBLON  is  dead.}  Heaven  curse 
me,  he  is  dead.  Yet  that  smile  doth  say  "Forgiven!" 
(  Tenderly  lays  him  down,  gazes  on  him.)  No  need  of  pray 
ing  to  heaven  for  thee;  thou  art  exalted  for  thy  purity. 
(Gazes  lovingly  upon  him.  Takes  off  mantle  and  covers 
him  over  tenderly.)  And  all  for  me.  He  died  for  me. 
Could  I  have  died  for  him  instead.  (Reflectively.)  What 
will  father  Alma  say?  And  mother — she  is  frowning 
down  from  heaven  on  this  sight.  (Agony  of  soul.)  O, 
my  heart  will  break!  My  head  will  burst!  (Sees  ZOAN.  ) 
And  thou;  ah,  yes,  I  remember  all,  now,  the  wine,  the 

song,  the  dance,  the  howling  mob.    Ah .    I  must  not 

think  of  that  or  I  shall  go  mad — mad!  (Mad  laugh.) 
(Tenderly  pulls  back  mantle  from  SmBLON's/ace— gazes 
intently.)  Shiblon,  brother!  He  died  for  me!  He  died 
forme!  (Down  over  him;  in  arms  affectionately.  Revive, 
etc.  Tenderly  lays  him  down  again,  covers  him  over  again. 
Far  away  expression.)  Alone!'  All  alone!  Now  all  alone, 
am  I — all  alone!  (Starts  up  with  mad,  gurgling  laugh — 
"CORIANTON'S  Having.)  Hush-h-h-h.  I  thought  I 
heard  someone  laugh.  (Mad  laugh  again.)  Hush— h-h— h. 
O  how  they  laugh;  how  they  sneer;  how  they  taunt  me. 
Amuloki,  Jasper  and  the  rest.  See  them!  See  them 
there  like  a  nest  of  adders  darting  their  forked  tongues! 
(Sees  AMULOKI  and  JASPER  in  fancy— front— mad  laugh.} 
But  Shiblon,  where's  Shiblon?  (Down  to  him— pulls  back 
mantle— sing  lullaby  here.)  He  is  sleeping!  Shiblon  is 
sleeping!  (Covers  him  over.  Abstractedly.)  "Go  back  to 
father — back  to  her — Relia — home — Zarahemla!  (Points 
up  c.)  Canst  see?  They  bid  me  welcome.  That's  she. 
that's  Relia;  those  snowy  robes,  that  pure  angelic 
sweetness— that  is  Relia.  You  see  that  being  there  with 
whitened  locks  and  priestly  robes — 'tis  father,  aged 
father.  (Stretches  up  hands  to  an  imaginary  being.)  Be 
hold  him  too;  he  beckons  me  to  come.  (Going  up.)  Yes, 
father;  yes,  J  come^I  come — thy  wayward  son,  thy 
prodigal  returns  tp  thee.  (Half  tv  ay  up  steps  turns  toward 
audience— far  away  look  in  face)  Relia — Home — Zara 
hemla! 

PICTURE.— CURTAIN. 

(SECOND  PICTURE  OVER  SHIBLON.) 


CORIAXTON.  49 


ACT    IV. 

SCENE— BACK  IN  ZARAHEMLA.     HOME   OF    HIGH  PRIEST 
ALMA.      HOUSETOP  SETTING. 


High  Priest  Alma  gives  a  departing  feast  to  the  Zoramtte 
Converts  who  are  to  depart  ivith  HagotJi's  Northern  Emigration. 

Assembled  at  Pise — High  Priest  Alma  L.,  mixed  assembly 
(full  stage]  singing  ^'Sailing  with  Hagoth"  A  catchy  melody — 
heard  intermittently  as  "Invisible  Ditty"  thro1  forepart  of  act — 
sung  at  the  feast  downstairs. 

ALMA.  Joy  is  mine  to  see  you  all  so  happy.  Ye  are 
the  fruits  of  our  mission  to  the  Zoramites. 

OMNES.    A  timely  mission.    Bless  the  mission. 

ALMA.  Ye  have  chosen  to  join  Hagoth's  Emigration 
to  that  bright  northern  land.  It  is  well.  Hagoth  is  a 
curious  man  and  just.  He  buildeth  ships  that  ye  might 
sail.  "Tis  said  this  land  ye  seek  is  fruitful;  may  plenty 
be  your  store. 

AMULOKI.  (Coming  down.}  Praise  to  High  Priest 
Alma,  Hagoth  sends  thee  greeting.  His  ship  is  by  the 
Western  Sea,  and  will  depart  within  the  hour. 

ALMA.  It  is  well.  The  feast  is  spread  below;  rny 
children  in  honor  of  your  departure — I  have  two  sons — 
God  knoweth  where— would  they  were  feasting  with  us. 
(Sinks  and  weeps.} 

MIRIAM.  Poor  father  Alma!  He  weepeth  for  his  sons 
he  hath  not  seen  for  many  days.  (To  Zennock.}  Hast 
thou  no  tidings  yet? 

ZENNOCK.  None.  Shiblon  was  last  seen  going  to  prison 
and  Corianton  is  thought  to  be  with  Isabel.  Weep  not 
our  father!  Thou  mayest  yet  have  joy  in  both  thy  sons. 

ALMA.  (Recovering  himself.)  Yea, 'tis  not  a  time  for 
weeping  now;  joy  should  be  our  portion.  (  Up  c:  meets 
Laman  as  Seatnum's  spy.}  Who  art  thou  stranger? 

LAMAN.  A  sinner  come  to  go  with  Hagoth  northward. 

ALMA.  Thou  art  welcome  then;  we  ask  not  more. 
(Exit  c.  to  R.  Laman  comes  down  R.  1  and  signs  '^Gadianton 
Order  " — ^Recognition"  Jasper  calls  AmulokVs  attention.}  The 
feast  is  waiting;  come,  my  children.  Follow  Alma  and 
be  merry  as  you  go.  (Omncs  follow  Alma  off  c.  singing 
"Sailing  -with  Hagotti"  Amuloki,  Jasper  and  Laman  remain 
down  stage.  Hushed  scene,  fearful-  of  being  overheard.} 


60  CORIANTON. 

AMULOKI.  (Crossing  to  LAMAN— quickly.}  Thou  art 
Seantum's  spy? 

LAMAN.    Not  spy — Lieutenant — second  in  command. 

JASPER.     Thou  art  Laman  certain  then? 

AMULOKI.    Thy  mission?    What  thy  message?    Haste! 

LAMAN.  Seantum  is  encamped  behind  yon  hill — ten 
legion  strong.  (Points  to  hill  ivhich  is  visible  to  entire  audi 
ence..']  He  strikes  to-night;  within  the  hour— if  thou  art 
ready,  too. 

AMULOKI.  Our  Gadianton  Order  is  ready  for  the  sig 
nal.  We  boast  one-half  the  fighting  force  of  Zarahemla. 

LAMAN.  'Tis  well.  We  count  the  Nephites  four  to 
one.  A  foe  within;  a  foe  without— the  city  will  be  ours. 

AMULOKI.    The  signal  as  arranged? 

LAMAN.  Ay,  the  light  in  the  tower  on  the  hill.  (Prints 
towards  hill — visible, } 

AMULOKI.    What  the  time  exact? 

LAMAN.  When  I  return  the  advance  begins.  (Calls 
their  attention  to  hill.}  When  the  moon  hath  sunk  to  the 
level  of  the  hill,  thou'lt  see  our  signal  on  yonder  summit. 

JASPER.     Within  the  hour  that • 

LAMAN.  Then  rise  and  strike  with  fury!  Spare  not  a 
living  man. — 'Tis  not  a  war — it  is  annihilation! 

JASPER.    No  trouble  at  the  gates? 

AMULOKI.  Why  question  thus?  Our  Gadiauton  Or 
der  holdeth  every  gate. 

LAMAN.  My  time  is  short — farewell.  (Going  up  c.,  all 
quickly.  As  they  go  up  c.,  they  meet  Alma — unexpected — 
astonished.} 

AMULOKI  (All  smiles.}  How  now;  our  good  High 
Priest.  (All  kneel} 

ALMA..    Ye  have  tarried;  the  feast  is  well  advanced. 

JASPER.  The  fault  is  ours.  We  join  them  now.  (Exit 
AMULOKI,  JASPER  and  LAMAX,  R.) 

ALMA  (ivxtching  them  off.}  These  men  avert  an  honest 
glance.  I  like  it  not.  Frankness  and  simplicity  be 
token  true  repentance.  (Looking  after  them.}  They  go 
not  to  the  feast.  They  turn  into  the  street — the  stran 
ger  with  them.  (Coming  down.}  Ah  well,  if  not  sincere, 
'tis  well  they  do  not  sail  with  Hagoth. 

RELIA.  (Enter  L.)  Thou  art  alone  good  Alma;  where 
thy  guests? 

ALMA.  They  are  feasting  at  the  banquet;  son  Heleman 
doth  host  them. 

RELIA.    Hath  news  of  Corianton,  news  of  Shiblou  yet? 

ALMA.  All  is  as  a  book  that's  sealed.  A  grievous 
fault  is  Corianton's;  his  brother,  Shiblon,  free  from 
fault. 

RELIA.  Thou  hast  too  oft  doubtedCorianton's  ability, 
his  fidelity,  whilst  for  Shiblon  thou  hast  only  words  of 
praise. 

ALMA.  And  had  I  not  kindness  too  for  Corianton? 
Did  I  not  glorify  God  in  his  conversion.  (CORIANTON 


CORIANTON.  51 

tattered  raiment  ^  enters  c.  and  hears,  anguish,  etc.}  But  when 
his  recollection  dimmed,  his  conversion  waxed  lukewarm 
and  stripes  are  on  my  naked  back  because  of  him. 

RELIA.  His  stripes  are  legion  and  eternal— upon  his 
naked  memory. 

ALMA.  Ah,  the  lips  of  a  strange  woman  droppeth  as 
honeycomb — but  wormwood  is  the  certain  end- 

RELIA.  (Earnestly  and  quietly.}  Father  Alma,  hast  tllOU 
e'er  had  a  doubt— a  doubt,  thy  sou  hath  fallen? 

ALMA.  (Sternly.}  A  doubt!  There  is  no  place  for  doubt! 
A  doubt!  Where  could  doubt  creep  in?  Were  it  Shiblon 
thus  accused,  I'd  doubt  the  very  Angel's  accusation. 

RELIA  (in  anger}.  Thou  hast  ever  doubted  Co  riant  on 
and  praised  his  brother  Shiblon. 

ALMA  (quietly.}  And  Relia,  thou  wouldst  plead  his 
cause?  (In  stern  censure.}  Corianton  hath  always 
wrung  my  heart;  he  hath  prostituted  the  divine  talents 
with  which  he  is  endowed,  and  now  he  has  foully  be 
smeared  the  spotless  name  I  gave  him 

CORIANTON  (quietly,  sinking  at  his  father's  feet.}    Father! 

ALMA  (not  recognizing  him}.  Thou  seekst  alms,  my 
friend? 

CORIANTON  (upturned  face}.  The  alms  I  seek — is  thy 
forgiveness.  (Looks  up.} 

ALMA.      What,   thou! 

RELIA.    Ah, 'tis  he!    'Tis  Corianton! 

ALMA.  Where  is  thy  brother,  Shiblon?  (Sternly.} 
Tell  me,  where  in  he? 

CORIANTON  (does  not  wish  to  tell;  turns  away  and  mur 
murs}.  Shiblon! 

ALMA.  Art  thou  stricken  dumb,  as  was  the  blas 
phemer  Korihor? 

CORIANTON.    Shiblon — is  dead!    (Looks  up.} 

ALMA  AND  RELIA.     Dead! 

ALMA.     How  came  it  so?     Tell  me!    Tell  me  how  it  was! 

CORIANTON.  Shiblon  came  in  search  of  me!  In  rage 
Sean  turn  followed — he  fiercely  thrust  my  brother  thru'! 

ALMA.    Didst  thou  not  strike  him  dead? 

CORIANTON.  (Quietly.}  Would  that  bring  Shiblon 
back?  I  buried  him  under  the  cypress  where  we 
began  our  fateful  mission.  I  now  begin — where  he 
left  off.  Mourn  not  for  Shiblon,  he  hath  a  martyr's 
crown.  I  wept;  I  moaned;  I  died  with  him.  For 
days  and  nights  and  days  and  nights  again.  I 
wandered  in  delirium  staggering  through  the  wilder 
ness,  I  fell  exhausted  on  the  moss.  I  slept  not. 
Yet  I  dreamed,  I  dreamed  while  yet  awake.  I  saw  a  day, 
a  night,  and  yet  another  day— as  if  it  were  one  day.  1 
saw  a  beautiful  virgin,  the  fairest  ever  the  sun  looked 
down  upon.  How  pure  she  was;  what  snowy  robes! 
In  her  arms  she  bore  a  holy  child — more  holy  e'en  than 
children  are.  I  saw  that  child— precocious  youth— in 
faultless  manhood  too — a  simple  modeler  of  wood.  Then 


52  CORIANTON. 

a  fore-running  voice  I  heard  calling  from  the  wilderness: 
" Behold  the  Lamb  of  God!"  He  sought  the  lame  and 
halt,  and  blind;  and  gave  them  of  his  store — "new  life;" 
"made  whole,"  His  only  bounty.  I  saw  Him  stand  be 
fore  the  law — deserted  to  a  man.  I  saw  Him  stagger 
beneath  His  cross,  scourged  at  every  step.  On  a  ragged 
hill  I  saw  Him — pinioned  to  that  cross.  He  wore  a 
crown — a  crown  of  thorns  they  made  in. mockery.  They 
scoffed  Him  in  derision;  hailed  Him  "King!"  with  jeers, 
and  through  it  all  He  plead  their  cause  before  the  throne 
of  God— "Forgive  them  Father,  O  forgive;  they  know 
not  what  they  do!"  Then,  a  javelin  -in  His  side,  His 
spirit  took  its  flight.  The  heavens  rent,  and  roared,  and 
split  asunder;  the  ground  trembled  in  sympathetic 
agony — the  while  He  hung  on  pinions  there.  He  lay  in 
a  tomb;  but  He  rose  again;  and  ascended  into  heaven. 
As  I  lay  and  watched  His  upward  flight,  the  shade  of 
Korihor  stood  by  me.  In  solemn  tones  he  bade  me  look: 
"Behold  the  Messiah,  the  Son  of  God;  the  Christ  whom 
I  denied.  His  name  is  love;  He  pardoned  me;  will  par 
don  all  who  will"— and  then  he  vanished.  I  lay  in  won 
der  on  his  words  when  a  firm  resolve  came  o'er  me — to 
plead  my  father's  pardon.  (Face  upturned.)  Messiah's  love 
can  save  an  anti-Christ;  why  not  thy  son,  thy  Corianton, 
then? 

ALMA.  (Lifting  Corianton  up.}  My  son!  My  son!  My 
joy  is  full.  (Clasps  Corianton  in  his  arms.) 

RELIA.    O  what  a  day  for  Alma. 

ALMA.     (  Weeps  for  joy.)   What  joy  is  mine!     How  good 
.  is  God 

RELIA.  (  To  Corianton — anxiously.)  Thou  art  weak  and 
hungered,  come 

ALMA.  The  feast  is  on,  pray  change  thy  raiment  son;;« 
'tis  now  ten  thousand  times  a  feast.  (Starts  L.)  I  place 
thy  robes  in  rea-diness.  (A  thought — returns — takes  Reno's 
hand.}  Relia  child,  thou  wert  in  thy  youth  to  Shiblon 
given,  tho'  some  have  said  thy  heart  was  never  his.  ( To 
Corianton.}  This  son  hath  paid  the  measure  of  his  fall — - 

CORIANTON.  'Tis  false  report!  I  did  not (Alma  as 
tonished  that  he  ivottld  prestune  to  deny — Corianton  concludes  Jo 
bear  it  silently.)  Nay,  who  can  bear  me  witness?  (To  Alma) 
I  look  into  thine  eyes  and  see  thy  painful  accusation;  my 
lips  are  mute;  my  tongue  denies  its  office. 

ALMA.  I  have  ever  found  thee  truthful  son.  Deny  it 
all  and  I'll  believe  thee;  deny  it  not — and  I  forgive  thee! 

CORIANTON.  I  will  not  try  my  father's  heart — I'll  bear 
my  cross  alone.  My  future  life  will  bear  me  witness. 
Go  my  father;  proclaim  thy  son's  return. 

ALMA.  Relia,  child,  come  hither.  (Joins their  hands.) 
Steady  now  this  ark  which  I  leave  to  thy  persuasion. 
Pray  bridle  not  thy  heart  if  it  incline  to  him.  (Exit  L.) 

CORIANTON  (reflectively.)     'Tis  not  a  proper  thing  that 


CORIANTON.  53 

1  should  woo  thee  now.    (Pathos.}    The  shade  of  Shib- 
lon  hovers  hear. 

RELIA.  Yea,  let  thy  mouth  be  sealed.  I  am  Shiblon's 
yet  unmarried  widow — Shiblon's  bride  eternal— for 
Shiblon  was  as  true  to  me  as  are  the  stars  to  heaven. 

CORIANTON.  Thy  words  betray  .thine  inward  accusa 
tion?  1  had  thought  that  Relia's  charity 

RELIA.     I  have  no  charity  for  sin. 

CORIANTON  (takes  her  hand).  Relia,  i  shall  try  thy 
heart— I  am  not  a  fallen  man! 

RELIA  (drawing  back  in  astonishment,  gazing  steadfastly- 
then  up  to  him,  quietly}.  Prove  it  Corianton! 

CORIANTON  (pained.}    Thou  asketh  proof ? 

RELIA.     Prove  it,  Corianton — and  1  will  be  thy  bride. 

CORIANTON.  She  doubts  my  word.  (Crosses  in  agony  of 
soul.}  My  God!  Relia  doubts  me,  too!  (A  thought.}  And 
yet  why  not?  I  even  doubted  God.  Relia,  there  is  but 
one  woman  on  earth  to  bear  me  witness,  and  that 
worn  an 

RELIA  (jealously).  Is  Isabel!  Is  Isabel!  I  knowyis 
Isabel!  Ah,  the  word  blistereth  my  lips. 

CORIANTON.  Then  say  it  not.  The  arrow  is  sped.  If 
thou  hast  doubted,  what  of  others?  (Going  L.)  Fare 
well.  I  too,  shall  go  with  Ha.goth.  (Exit  L. ) 

RELIA.  O,  must  I  let  my  love  depart?  (Folio-wing  after 
hint.}  O  Corianton!  come  back  to  me  again!  I  love  thee! 
1  believe  thee!  (Pause.}  He  is  gone!  He  will  sail  with 
Hagoth  and  I  shall  never  see  him  more.  O,  Corianton! 
Corianton!  (  Weeps — rises — down  to  bench.}  Desire  and  duty 
struggle  for  supremacy.  Be  servile,  thou,  my  heart, 
right  forbids  thee  Speak.  (Enter  Bastol  disguised  as  a  La- 
mai-M e  chief  )  Who  art  tllOU? 

BASTOL.    I?    Oh,  I'm  a  fool,  he,  he,  he, 
•    RELIA.    A  fool?  , 

BASTOL.    (Quickly.)    Fool  I  said,  yes. 

RELIA.    Whom  seekest  thou? 

BASTOL.     Forsooth,  I  seek  my  master. 

RELIA.     Who  is  thy  master,  pray? 

BASTOL.    My  master?    Oh,  he's  another  fool,  he,  he. 

RELIA.    A  fool?  > 

BASTOL.  (Quickly,  same  as  above.}  Fool  I  said,  yes.  He 
was  tricked,  tracked,  and  trophied.  Tricked  by  Seantum 
and  his  servant  guards;  tricked  by  the,  fair  Zoan,  and  by 
her  carried  off  as  trophy. 

RELIA.  I  vow  if  thou  wert  stripped  of  thy  disguise 
and  should  assume  thy  wo,nted  merriment,  I'd  call  thee 
Bastol,  Corianton's  armor  bearer. 

BASTOL.  (Bowing profusely.}  And  counselor,  if  thou'd 
Just  as  well. 

RELIA.  Why  didst  thou,  counselor,  desert  thy  shrine 
and  leave  him  to  their  bufferings? 

BASTOL,  Then  ask  I  why  deserted  he  his  Bastol?  De 
serted  too,  with  lack  of  ceremony. 


54  CORIAXTON". 

RELIA.     Why  did  thou  not  follow  then? 

BASTOL.  Seautum  held  me  bound — I  had  slain  his 
fierce  and  ugly  Zebu.  (Horror.}  His  ghost  methinks 
hath  haunted  me;  yet  lean  his  ghost  appears,  and  if  one 
is  fat  oneself,  one's  ghost  should  be  fat  as  well. 

RELIA.    How  earnest  thou  to  Zarahemla,  then? 

BASTOL.     Zoan  plead  my  liberty 

RELIA  (interested).  Zoan?  Tell  me  of  Zoan!  Was  she 
fair?  Was  she  beautiful? 

BASTOL  (quietly").  She'd  open  the  eyes  of  the  sand 
blind.  Seantum  leased  me  but  Manitah  bound  me — by 
her  love.  Her  dethroned  lover — a  coarse  and  ugly  La- 
manite — sought  my  head  to  that  extent  that  Manitah 
sought  my  love.  It  was  prudent  I  escape,  so  I  came 
disguised  to  Zarahemla. 

RELIA.     Bastol,  tell  me  of  Zoan 

ALMA.  (Entering  i* — axxteasfy.)  Relia  child,  what  means 
my  son's  hasty  preparation? 

RELIA.  Not  a  night  sleeps  he  in  Zarahemla,  resolved 
to  go  as  well,  with  Hagoth's  Emigration. 

ALMA.  To  find  my  son  and  lose  him  thus  again,  come, 
stay  him  by  persuasion.  (Exit  with  Relia  L.) 

BASTOL.  She  feign  would  subdue  her  love  for  Corian- 
ton;  nor  can  I  control  my  heart,  it  jumpeth  so  for  my 
Manitah.  (Sings  ditty.  "O  Manitah."  Enter  Manitah  c. 
Bastol  stares  in  ivonder — astonished.  Slowly— quietly.) 
Manitah,  else  her  ghost!  I  loved  her  well;  be  it  not  she, 
I  think  I  love  her  ghost.  (Approaches  her.) 

MANITAH.  (Receding  )  Na3T,  touch  me  n — n— not.  Thou 
art  but  L — L— Lamanite. 

BASTOL.  She  knows  me  not.  (Curse  my  disguise.)  Man 
itah,  dost  thou  not  know  me?  I  am  Bastol,  he  that 
loves  thee. 

MANITAH.  Thou  hast  cheated  then  the  h—h— headsman? 

BASTOL.  My  head  was  scarcely  worth  the  taking  said 
the  headsman.  He  bade  me  leave  without  a  visitation. 

MANITAH.    Unmake  thyself  a  L — L — Lamanite. 

BASTOL.  Uncurse  thou  meanst,  so  I  shall;  uncurse 
thee  too  as  well.  As  easy  thing  to  uncurse  and  make 
delightsome  thee  as  'twas  to  curse  and  make  a  La 
manite  of  me.  ( Taking  her  hand  and  up  c.)  Come,  come 
Manitah;  let  us  erase  the  curse  and  assume  more  white 
delight! ty.  (Both  exit  c.,  in  dance  step.) 

(Enter  CORIANTON,  thoughtful, prepared  to  go  with  HA- 

GOTH.) 

CORIANTON.  I  dare  not  trust  myself  to  say  "good 
bye."  I'll  write  that  single  word— "farewell."  (Sitsn. 
takes  up  quill  and  papyrus,  reflectively.)  Let  any  man 
make  one  mistake  and  who  will  fail  to  scout  his 
name;  but  let  him  prosper  in  the  land,  and  all 
will  flock  like  brother  geese  to  do  him  honor,  tho'  he 
e'en  then  be  honored  thrice. 


CORtAXTON.  55 

(Thinking.  Enter  ZOAN  heavily  veiled — down  to  him t 
kneels,  kisses  hem  of  toga — sees  her. 

Rise  now  good  woman.  It  is  not  seemly  that  thon 
sliouldst  thus  debase  thyself  before  one  who  hath 
been  both  wayward  and  unwise.  Be  thou  seated  where 
thoii  mayst  tell  thy  tale  in  comfort.  (Helps  her  to  rise — 
she  kisses  his  hand— flings  back  veil  and  reveals  ZOAN  ZE 
ISABEL.)  What,  thou? 

ZOAN.  Yes,  I,  Zoan!  O,  Corianton,  do  not  look  like 
that,  nay,  do  not  spurn  me.  (He  looks  upon  her.}  Ah, 
my  love  relents;  thou  dost  not  hate  me  then? 

CORIANTON.  Thou  dost  not  read  me  well;  I  weep  not 
for  thee,  but  for  my  sin  concerning  thee. 

ZOAN.  Corianton,  spurn  me  not,  lest  I  become  a  de 
mon  and  my  mission  cast  aside. 

CORIANTON.    There  was  a  time,  Zoan,  when  I  believed 
thee  true  and  trusted  thee  beyond  my  conscience  warn 
ing.    Does    recollect  how  thou    that    trust  betrayed?' 
Dost   yet    recall  my  ruin?  thy  deceit?      Hut  my  pity, 
now,  is  thine.     Thou  wert  as  false  as  mirage. 

ZOAN.  (Haughtily— showing- jealousy.}  Pity,  fall!  'Tis 
not  pity  that  I  crave.  I  find  thee  in  a  haughty  bearing-, 
mayhap  secure  in  yet  another  love.  (Sneeringly.)  Some> 
fair  Nephitish  maiden.  Into  her  virgin  ear  thou'lt  whis 
per  love;  upon  her  maiden  lips  press  kisses,  warm.  ThoU' 
needs t  not  taunt  me  with  thy  boast,  lest  I  my  mission 
cast  aside.  Bethink  thee  friend,  I,  Isabel,  whose  home  a 
palace,  the  mighty  are  her  friends,  hath  this  day  done 
for  thee  that  which  she  ever  scorned  to  do  for  other  man 
— kneeled  to  thee  as  supplicant. 

CORIANTON.  As  supplicant!  O,  fie!  Bah,  thy  fair  face, 
thy  winning  smile  and  the  strongest  of  them  are  at  thy 
feet  enchantress.  Thou  needst  not  fear  a  dirth  of  suitors 
so  long  mother  nature  remains  thy  friend;  but  sentiment 
aside!  thy  mission  state;  no  more  of  this*  proceed. 

ZOAN.  Thou'lt  not  believe  my  love  e'en  tho'  a,  truth 
because  of, falsehood  once.  I  knew  it.  I  knew  it.  For  as  I 
passed  hither  on  this  traitorous  mission,  the  trees 
moaned  a  sad  requiem  to  all  my  hope,  but  the  songsters 
warbled  their  applause;  the  branches  beckoned  me  to 
come  and  bowed  their  blessing  as  I  passed.  (Breaks 
spell.}  Ah! 

CORIANTON.  (Dreamlike.}  "Trees  and  branches  beck 
oned" — when  I  wandered  half  delirious— the  trees  seemed 
living  beings,  venomous  and  vile,  with  horrid  eyes  and 
teeth.  The  branches  seemed  slimy  arms  and  tried  to 
clutch  me.  All  were  trees,  yet  each  a  human  being;  and 
in  the  group  and  foremost  were  Amuloki,  Jasper  and  the 
rest,  with  looks  so  terrible — O,  awful!  The  ground  was 
dark  and  livid,  the  air  was  thick  and  heavy,  so  it  seemed 
that  I  must  suffocate.  Suddenly  a  brightness  burst  upon 
me  and  thou  Zoan,  stood  by  me;  stood  and  watched  and 
comforted.  Then  horror,  horror,  there  protruded  from 


56  CORIANTON. 

among  the  branches  a  huge  serpent  all  striped  and  re 
pulsive,  with  terrible  fangs  and  glistening  eyes.  I 
thought  it  was  a  snake  and  yet  it  was  Sean  turn.  It  was 
Seantum  and  yet  it  was  a  snake.  (Sympathetically.} 
It  coiled  itself  rdund  thee  Zoan  and  crushed  thy  spirit 
out.  That  spirit  hovered  near  the  while;  (joyfully]  then 
straightway  went  to  .heaven. 

ZOAN.  If  I  lay  dead— O  heaven  pardon  me — if  I  lay 
dead,  and  thy  name  wre're  whispered  in  the  tall 'green 
grass  .above  my  grave  that  whispered  word  would  reach 
my  heart  and  give  it  back  response. 

COHIANTON.  (  With  effort  breaking' spell.}  This  inter 
view  must  cease,  Zoan.  Too  well  1  know  where  all  will 
end.-  Around  the  heart  thy  love  creeps  like  a  snake.  'Tis 
certain  we  must  part, 

ZOAN.  No,  no,  not  part!  'Twould  kinder  be  to  say 
"must  die!"  Come,  fly  with  me.  Grave  danger  threat 
ens  Corianton! 

CORIANTON.    Zoan,  my  gravest  danger  now. 

ZOAN.    Nay,  I  have  come  to  save  thee. 

CORIANTON.  To  damn  me  rather.  Thy  magic  vain 
Zoan.  (  Waving  her  off.}  I'm  not  the  self  sufficient  youth 
I  was 

ZOAN.  O,  heed  me  Corianton;  fly  with  me.  It  is  to 
save  thy  life. 

CORIANTON.  Ne'er  heed  thee  more  Zoan;  but,  I  forgive 
thee  all  the  past— Yes,  this  day,  I  could  e'en  forgive  Se 
antum. 

ZOAN.     (Fearful.}    Seantum!     He  is  thy  danger  now. 

CORIANTON.  Zoan,  when  I  bowed  to  fate  and  went 
with  thee  to  Siron,  I  thought  to  train  ;thy  soul,  and 
make  of  thee  a  better  woman.  Se'antum  followed  for 
revenge;  with  him  thy  love  test  came.  I  was  scouted  in 
derision;  repentance  flung  back  in  my  teeth.  With  jeeu- 
ing  taunts  I  was  driven  forth  to  die.  God  knows  what 
Corianton  might  have  done  (pathetically) — had  Shiblon 
there  and  then  not  died.  (  Weeps.}  Alas,  my  brother! 
Well,  I  wandered  forth;  I  tried  to  die— 

ZOAN.    1  sent  spies  to  search  for  thee — - 

CORIANTON.  Search — but  did  not  find  me — but  I  for 
give  Zoan,  forgive  Seantum,  too.  He  taught  me  to  for 
give — taught  me  not  to  die! 

ZOAN.  Thou  wouldst  accuse  me,  Corianton,  of  search 
ing  not  to  find  thee? 

CORIANTON.    Not  I,  Zoan,  thine  acts  accuse. 

ZOAN.  I  sacrificed  my  heart  to  drive  thee  forth;  I 
risked  my  life  to  save  thee.  And  this  is  my  reward; 
spurned  of  thy  love;  accused  of  treachery.  I  came  to 
save  thee;  save  thyself!  I  leave  thee  to  thy  fate— fare 
well!  (Starts  up.) 

CORIANTON.     Farewell,  Zoan;  forever  fare  the  well. 

ZOAN.  "Twill  ever  be.  (Stops  at  c.  and  sees  moon  at  hill 
toplevel,  moans.)  Ah!  the  hour  is  come*  The  moon  is  near 


CORIANTON.  57 

the  level  of  the  hill.  (Tarns  toward  CORIANTON.)  His 
doom  is  sealed  with  all  his  people.  (Looks,at  moon,  and 
then  lovingly  at  him.}  I  cannot  bear  to  know  him  dead 
when  I  alone  can  save  him.  (Down  to  him— tenderly .} 
Corianton! 

CORIANTON  (at  table}.  What,  thou  not  gone?  Thy 
plea  is  vain. 

ZOAN.  ?  Vain  tho'  it  be,  I'll  be  a  traitress  for  thee! 
Sean  turn's  migfrty  legions  attack  within  the  hour! 

CORIANTON  (rising— astonished).     How  sayst? 

ZOAN  (loaking  toward  hill}.     Mayhap  upon  the  instant. 

CORIANTON.     Dost  speak  the  truth? 

ZOAN.  The  Secret  Gadianton  order  in  thy  city  is  his 
ally. 

CORIANTON.    How? 

ZOAN.  When  the  signal  on  yon  hill  appears,  they  rise 
and  strike — r- 

CORIANTON!     This  night? 

ZOAN.  They  hold  thine  every  gate.  They  boast  one- 
third  thy  city!s  strength  and  Amuloki  is  their  leader. 

CORIANTON.  '  How?  Amuloki?  He,  companion  of  my 
youth  and  now  a  Gadianton  Robber? 

ZOAN.  The  moon  is  near  the  level  now.  (Horror.) 
The  signal  is  at  haud!  Come,  come,  escape!  (Extends 
hantf.)  I  know  the  sign  to  pass  the  gates.  Come,  my 
Corianton,  come! 

CORIANTON.  Escape?  Not  so,  but  save  my  people  all. 
(Sir  ikes  gong.}.  Amuloki's  blood  shall  dye  my  steel.  His 
gore  shall  irrigate  our  streets  that  patriotic  freedom 
may1  take  root.  ••  (Enter  servant  L.  u.  E.)  My  armor, 
quick,  make  fast.  (Servant  takes  up  armor  hanging  near; 
helps  Cariantoii  on  with  it> } 

RELIA.  (Enter  L,.  u.  E.,  called  .by  gong.)  Corianton, 
wilt  thou  go,  without,  farewell. 

CORIANTON'.     (Excitedly. )'    Nay  Relia,  I  shall  stay. 

ZOAN.     (Echoes.}    "Relia."    This  then  is  she. 

CORIANTON.  Our  city  is  in  peril;  I  shall  not  leave  it  so. 
I  must  call  the  guard  in  haste.  Zarahemla,  O,  my  city, 
thy  prodigal  shall  save  thee!  ( Rushes  off  c. ) 

ZOAN.  Thy  God,  whose  grace  thou  toldest  me  of,  be 
with  thee  to  the  end. 

'  ( Trumpet  calls  heard  without ;  gongs  sound,  general  alarm; 
commotion  -without. )  , 

OMNES.  ,  (Outside.}  To  arms.  To  Arms.  (Various 
voices  heard  without. ) 

AMULOKI.  (Outside— distant.}  Back  men,  it  is  a  false 
alarm.  The  sign  upon  the  hill  is  not  yet  seen. 

REI.IA.     Why  this  alarm?     Why  this  call  to  arms? 

ZOAN.  Thy  city's  peril.  (  Up  c.,  points  )  He  will  save 
it.  The  guards  respond  upon  the  instant.  The  streets 
'e'en  now  are  filling  fast  with  armed  men. 

RELIA.     What  means  it  all?    Who  art  thou? 

ZOAN.    Nephite  maiden,  hear  me. 


58  CORIANTON. 

RELIA.     Wilt  hear,  of  course;  proceed. 

ZOAN  (motions  her  to  sit;  commotion  growing  fainter  all 
Jhe  while).  Sit  thee  down  and  listen.  This  youth  who 
left  us  now!  I  have  known  before  this  day.  To  but 
know  him  is  to  love  him;  to  which — crime — I  confess. 

RELIA.  I  know  thee  not.  Thy  name  disclose.  I  can't 
tleny  mine  interest.  (Site  L.) 

ZOAN  (signals  RELIA  to  sit),  I  met  Corianton  in  mine 
own  land  whither  he  had  come  as  a  missionary.  He 
was  so  young  and  innocent;  so  handsome  and  gallant; 
so  unlike  any  one  I  had  ever  known;  that  I  was  at  once 
attracted  toward  him.  I  beheld  that  he  was  full  of 
romance.  I  vowed  to  win  his  hand,  if  not  his  heart. 
He  was  not  indifferent,  tho'  I  beheld  a.  prior  claim  upon 
his  heart,  than  mine.  He  let  me  love  him,  tho'.  'Twas 
at  that  time  I  quaffed  the  first,  a  draught  of  happiness. 
I  was  just  a  bit  afraid  my  heart  would  break;  it  seemed 
too  full  for  but  one  heart.  Seantum  came  in  rage  and  I 
knew  the  end  was  near.  To  have  died  with  Corianton 
would  have  glorified  mine  own  repentance;  but  on  that 
morn  he  piqued  me;  and  my  haughty  nature  would  ill 
brook  this  from  him,  the  only  man  I  ever  loved.  'Twas 
then,  to  save  his  life,  I  turned  him  forth.  (/Sighs.)  When 
Corianton  left,  the  sun  went  down  on  all  my  dreams  of 
future  joy.  A  gnawing  at  a  something  here  (hand  on 
heart) — at  that  time  called  a  heart,  hath  prompted  me 
too  seek  him  here,  but — thou  art  his  equal..  Thou  hast 
a  royal  dowry  of  purity,  of  truth,  of  innocence.  No 
trace  of  sin  is  visible  on  that  open  count  enance.  I  know 
— I  know — for  was  I  not  as  pure  and  fair  as  thou.  (Re- 
morse,  then  rouses.)  But  Isabel,  take  courage. 

RELIA.    Isabel?     Thou  art  Isabel? 

ZOAN.    Isabel  of  Siron. 

RELIA.  Tell  me  of  my  Corianton.  Is  he  guiltless? 
(Pleads)  Say  it,  Isabel.  O,  say  it 

ZOAN.     What  if  I  should  answer  "no!" 

RELIA.    Thank  God. 

CORIANTON  (outside,  coming  nearer).  Bring  him  in  and 
once  he  makes  a  move  of  violence  hew  him  down. 
(Enter  c,  with  AMULOKI— guards  follow.) 

ZOAN.    Brave  Corianton,  thou  hast  seized 

CORIANTON.  Amuloki,  leader  of  their  Order.  (Gives 
AMULOKI  a  turn  and  points  guards  to  bind  him — they  do  so.) 

AMULOKI.  Thou  Isabel.  Thou  art  the  traitress  then. 
I  see  now  why  thy  ready  ear  was  ever  present  at  the 
council.  I  warned  Seantum,  but  in  vain.  (Sarcastically.) 
No  he  "could  trust  his  Isabel!" 

ZOAN.    If  I'm  traitress,  what  art  thou? 

AMULOKI.  Bah!  (To  Corianton.)  Thy  soldier  citizens 
respond  upon  the  instant;  one-half  their  ranks  are  of 
the  Gadianton  Order,  and  but  wait  the  word  of  my 
command,  to  man  their  weapons  'gainst  thy  cause. 

CORIANTON.      (Quietly— noticeably  weak  from  effects  of 


CORIANTON.  oi) 

hunger.)     But  thy  command  shall  wait  a  spell.      I  have 
been  slow  in  finding  thee  a  rogue.  I  shall  be  slow  to  stay 
the  ax.  (To  Guard.)  Place  him  in  the  strongest  chains. 
Gag  his  speech  as  well.     ( Guards  take  him  R.  1  E.  ) 

AMULOKI.  Isabel,  thou  art  a  fool,  to  lose  a  kingdom 
for  a  love — a  love  which  ne'er  will  be  returned. 

CORIANTON.  Take  him  out  and  bind  him.  Away  with 
him  in  haste.  (Guard  take  Amuloki  out  R.  1  E.  Enter  Re- 
lia — he  extends  hand.) 

ZOAN.     How  earnest  thou  so  suddenly  upon  him? 

CORIANTON.  When  the  watchman  sounded  the  alarm, 
the  first  was  Amuloki  out.  He  shouted:  "Back,  men. 
it  is  a  false  alarm;  the  sign  upon  the  hill  is  not  yet  seen." 
1  seized  him  on  the  instant  and  dragged  him  hither  e'er 
his  wits  could  tell  him  what  all  meant. 

ZOAN.  Thou  hast  done  well,  but  Corianton,  haste  a 
portion  of  thy  troops  to  the  narrow  neck,  for  Sean- 
turn 

SEANTUM.  (Rushes  inc.  full  armor,  down  L.)  Is  here,! 
(Zoan  draws  back  in  horror  to-vard  Corianton  R.  c.)  TllOll 
traitress,  thou  Shalt  die.  (Seantum  draws  sivord  and  rushes 
at  her,  runs  her  through.  Zoan  screams  and  is  caught  by  I?elia, 
Jays  her  on  divan — Corianton  instantly  strikes  Seantum 's  sivord 
from  his  hand — stands  with  foot  on  it.} 

CORIANTON.  Coward!  knave!  to  stab  a  woman  so! 
Thou  did'st  slay  my  brother  Shiblon!  I  have  longed 
for  such  a  time  as  this — to  meet  thee  man  to  man!  (Of 
and  points  him  to  -weapon.}  Take  up  thy  weapon,  Zoramife, 
and  cross  thy  steel  with  me!  (^4  mighty  combat^  between 
Seantumand  Corianton — with  varied  fortune — equal  chance  save 
for  Coriantoti's  famished  weakened  condition.  Both  full  armor; 
Corianton'' s  weakness  apparent;  guards  rush  in  to  his  aid. } 

CORIANTON.  (Pushing  them  back.}  Back  men!  This  fight 
is  only  mine. 

KELIA.    Thou  art  weak! 

CORIANTON.     But  God  is  strong. 

(In  staying  Guards  he  turns  back  on  Seantum,  who  rushes  (it 
him  hoping  to  get  him  at  a  disadvantage ;  Cortanton — noticeably 
weak — -falls,  as  he  turns  to  face  Seaatum,  but  raises  sword  to  stay 
blow  for  head ;  combat  with  Corianton  down ;  as  Seantum  showers 
blows  upon  him.} 

SEANTUM — Ah,  the  Signal!  (The  Sign  upon  the  Hill  appears. 
Seantum  staggers  back  in  awe;  Corianton  seizes  the  opportunity 
and  rises  to  equal  combat,  musters  all  of  his  remaining  strength  for 
one  last  effort;  disarms  Seantum  R.  1.) 

CORIANTON.  (Seizes  Seantum  by  throat;  about  to  strike 
him  down.}  Shiblon,  thou  art  avenged! 

RELIA.  (Staying  him.}  Corianton!  Thou  shalt  not 
kill! 

CORIANTON.  (Pause — yields;  flings  Seantum  up  stage.} 
Bind  him!  Take  him  hence.  (Guards  seize  Seantum.} 

SEANTUM.  Thou  fool,  Zoan;  thou  might'st  have  been 
Queen  of  Zarahemla. 


60  CORIANTON. 

CORIANTON.  Away  with  him.  (Sees  sign  on  hill — rou^ng 
himself— to  Guard.}  Go  tell  Moroni  to  seize  all  the  gates 
that  not  one  Robber  shall  escape.  (Rushes  Guard  up  c.j 
Go,  go.  go-o-o-o!  (Seantum  marched  off.) 

ALMA.  But  what  this  blood?  Who  this  woman, 
pray?  And  what  this  crime  committed  on  my  house? 

CORIANTON.  The  crime  is  murder,  father!  She  the 
savior  of  our  city. 

ALMA.     Our  Savior,  how? 

CORIANTON.  Thine  evil  genius,  father,  and  thy  bene 
factress,  too;  the  same  that  humbled  thee  thy  son  and 
gave  him  back  to  thee  converted. 

ALMA,     Thou  then  art — 

CORIANTON  Isabel,  my  father,  Isabel  of  Siron!  (All 
but  RELIA  and  CORIANTON  draw  back  from  her.  ALMA 
intuitively  marches  RELIA  down  L.  1 — ZOAN  is  deserted; 
coming  to  her — tenderly. )  'Tis  but  a  line  of  glory  writ; 
her  sins  atoned;  her  life  a  ransom  for  them. 

ZOAN.  Noble  Corianton!  (To  RELIA.)  Nephite  maiden, 
hither.  (Bus.  ALMA — RELIA  comes).  Receive  this  prince, 
this  king  of  both  our  hearts — thy  love  will  crown  him, 
mine  did  not.  (Join  their  hands.)  Now,  Corianton — 
say  "forgiven. " 

CORIANTON.    From  my  heart  thou  art  forgiven. 

(Invisible  quartet  sings  "Forgiven.") 

ZOAN.  Thy  noble  self  could  say  naught  else.  I  feel  a 
something  singing  in  my  heart— a  melody  which  chimes 
"forgiven."  And  to  this  anthem  chants  a  harmony  as 
if  by  angels  sung.  "Another  soul  is  saved  by  grace." 
"Repented  and  is  saved  this  day." 

CORIANTON.  Zoan,  thou  art  about  to  meet  thy  Maker. 
Before  my  father;  before,  thy  God! — declare  thy  verdict 
on  me! 

ZOAN.  High  Priest  Alma — Nephite  maiden — Corianton 
is  nil  blemished.  (Dies.) 

ALMA  AND  RELIA.    Innocent! 

ALMA  (taking  both  his  hands).  My  son!  My  son!  Thou 
hast  bourne  thy  burthen  nobly!  (Embraces  Corianton.) 
Forgive  me,  son.  I  never  knew  how  great  thy  heart! 

CORIANTON.  Forgive  thee,  father;  all  forgiven — She  for 
given  too!  (Signifies  Zoan  by  Maker. ) 

(Zoan  on  couch  c.,  Corianton  and  Relia  joined  hand  in 
hand  immediately  rear;  father  Alma  blessing,  the  denoue 
ment  rear  of  them.) 

PICTURE— CURTAIN. 

(SECOND  PICTURE:) 

(Spectacular  sailing  of  Hagoth — Axtec  ship  on  River 
Sidon. — Invisible  Chorus:  "Sailing  with  Hagoth.") 

THE   END. 


